Putrajaya: The National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) will introduce Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes to its clients next year to boost their marketability and reduce the risk of addiction. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced that pioneer projects would be initiated at several narcotics addiction rehabilitation centres with an initial allocation of RM1 million.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the clients at these centres will receive rehabilitation and treatment modules. Some researchers from symposiums have suggested that TVET programmes are a suitable need to be implemented. This initiative has been presented to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who chairs the National TVET Committee, and has received approval.

Saifuddin Nasution highlighted that the programmes would offer NADA clients the chance to obtain accredited skill certificates, facilitating their re-entry into the job market post-rehabilitation. He noted that similar skill training models in prisons have successfully reduced readdiction rates, and NADA is expected to adopt this approach early next year.

Besides the TVET programme, the one-day symposium also recommended four additional resolutions. These include the implementation of an evidence-based Anti-Drug Communication Plan, a mass movement as an integrated national strategy, the expansion of voluntary treatment and rehabilitation, and technology-based enforcement.

Saifuddin Nasution emphasized that these resolutions would form the foundation for drafting new policies within his ministry to reinforce the national drug prevention and rehabilitation plan. He reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to addressing the drug threat, stating that curbing drugs remains a top priority.