Transformation Of National Anti Drug Agency (NADA)
Agensi Anti Dadah Kebangsaan

A. Problem Analysis

 1. What was the problem before the implementation of the initiative?
NADA transformation is in line with the Malaysian Government’s Transformation Programme (GTP), and theNational Key Results Area (NKRA) of Reducing Crime. This is because people who use drugs are alsoinvolved in street crimes. The transformation is aligned with The National HIV/AIDS policy where AADK plays an important contributing role especially as over 70% of HIV cases in Malaysia are reported to be in people who inject drugs. With the introduction of the Cure & Care Model, AADK has sparked a wave of voluntarism in drug treatment and rehabilitation. The introduction of the Open-Access method has attracted many people who use drugs to come forward voluntarily to seek treatment and rehabilitation. This Open-Access service is further strengthened with a combination of two treatment methods: psychosocial and clinical/medical treatment. A holistic approach with the use of medications is one of the paradigm shifts that makes this treatment program different from previous practices. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the problem of drug addiction and co-dependency as a chronic disease which recurs and of complex category. Based on this development, the common misperceptions on drug addicts had also changed from that of criminal into health-patients instead. To overcome the problem of treating and rehabilitating recurring cases of drug dependents, a combination of psychosocial approach and medical treatments tailored to the individual context must be adopted so as to ensure that the services and care provided are compatible for different history of drug dependents. The treatment and rehabilitation program which takes into account the needs, socio-cultural and life background of its clients is consistent with the principle of drug treatment and rehabilitation best practices. This is to ensure that the developed program will always be relevant, effective, efficient and sustainable. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recommended referrals and treatment intervention for public health as an alternative for incarceration of drug dependants and people who use drugs (PWUD). However, most Asian countries are still imposing capital punishments on drug abusers and drug related crimes. As a result, most of Asian drug dependents have to spend their lives in the prison, compulsory drug rehabilitation centers and labor detention camps. Albeit the incarceration method has never helped to lessen the drug abuse cases and drug related crimes, and also the transmission of HIV/ AIDS. International evidence showed that mandatory treatment and rehabilitation does not give encouraging results. It also doesn’t tell of any success stories of restoring functional individuals out of drug dependents. Changes in mainstream society have resulted in the poor perception towards and erosion of confidence in National Anti Drugs Agency (NADA) due to previous bad practices in dealing with drug problem, especially in the areas of treatment and rehabilitation. The agency has taken drastic actions in transforming its approach to address the drug issue because of the following reasons: i. Change in drug user profiles ii. The trend of drug use iii. Rehabilitation treatment programs that are regimented, providing psychosocial treatment alone and focusing only on the period in PUSPEN with no structured after-care programs after discharge iv. Treatment was focused on drug dependants alone, without including drug users, abusers and significant others (family members and next-of-kin) v. Not focused on the needs, location and welfare of clients to sustain their recovery vi. Failure to provide effective treatment and rehabilitation programs resulting in an increase in relapse rates vii. Increased rates of street crime associated with drug use In responding to this fact, in 2010 NADA has taken up a paradigm shift by implementing its transformational programs in the field of drug treatment and rehabilitation. Shifting from mandatory method, NADA introducing the voluntary-based treatment and rehabilitation program through its Open Access Approach.

B. Strategic Approach

 2. What was the solution?
The Government Transformation Program (GTP) was the catalyst for NADA’s transformation. The GTP is part of four main thrusts of the Malaysian government’s transformation program. The four main thrusts support the government’s economic and development plan to achieve Vision 2020 of Malaysia becoming a fully developed nation. i. “1Malaysia People First, Performance Now” – Maintaining unity and integrating the society ii. Government Transformation Program – Delivering efficient public services iii. Economic Transformation Program – New economic model, high income, inclusiveness and sustainability iv. Tenth And Eleventh Malaysia Plans – Government implementation of development program (targeted growth and allocations) GTP has six National Key Results Area (NKRA’s) which are accountable to related Ministers. The Minister of Ministry of Home Affairs is appointed to reduce Overall Index Crime, particularly on Street Crime. 2010 aims to reduce street crime by 20% and it is directly related to the effort of treating drug users in preventing their involvement in street crime. The ‘Crime Lab’ took place in December 2009, spearheaded by Performance Management Delivering Unit (PEMANDU) in the Prime Minister’s Office. It was an important milestone in the transformation of drug dependence treatment in Malaysia. Recommendations from the ‘lab’ placed great importance on the role of NADA as one of the drivers to achieve of the Reducing Crime NKRA. The ‘Drug Lab’ followed in February 2010 which was an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs to implement the Reducing Crime NKRA. Recommendations and decisions from this ‘lab’ led to the transformation of treatment and rehabilitation in NADA. In 2010, with the arrival of the new leadership of AADK, 8 PUSPEN centers were converted to C&C 1Malaysia Clinics. By 2011, planning was underway to transform the DRCs in Malaysia with the introduction to the treatment and Rehabilitation Program Transformation in the existing PUSPEN centers. In 2012, AADK have converted PUSPEN centers into Cure & Care Rehabilitation Centers (CCRC) and the services offered will also be transformed so that we can offer better choices and flexibility to our clients to undergo treatment. Crime index rate and drug menace are co-related. The successful effort in treating drug dependents and drug users has proven to reduce their involvement in crimes. This indirectly helps to increase the safety, well-being and life quality of the society. In this context, NADA has dramatically delivering successful services to the society. The acceptance on the Open Access concept has shown both the government’s commitment in eradicating drug menace and government’s sensitivity towards society’s needs which has changed over time.

 3. How did the initiative solve the problem and improve people’s lives?
The key concepts behind the Cure & Care model are that services are provided according to client’s needs, they are comprehensive, holistic and provide choices, there are no pre-conditions to treatment and clients are invited to attend voluntarily, when they are ready. There are no legal implications for clients who present for treatment whilst their details are kept strictly confidential. i. Image - The Cure & Care Concept: Curing and Caring. ii. Rebranding - PUSPEN facilities as Cure & Care Clinics. - Rebranding of PUSPEN to CCRC. iii. Client - Clients as patients not criminals. - Assessing clients to determine the severity of their addiction and other co-morbidities. - Providing choices based on their needs. - Reintegrating clients into society. - Client acceptance by society without any stigma - Providing recovery needs for clients to return to normal functioning such as skills training, job placement and career development. iv. Approach - Providing voluntary services. - No legal implications and pre-conditions. - Treatment provided according to client’s needs - Clinical services (medical approach). - Providing more opportunities for people involved in drugs to receive treatment and rehabilitation services at the rehabilitation facilities provided. v. Programs - Providing comprehensive community and institutional-based programs. - Services packages in accordance with client’s severity of addiction. - Increasing community-based programs by establishing Cure & Care service centers (CCSC). vi. Services - Providing treatment and rehabilitation services that encompasses the needs of clients, their significant others, family and society. - Providing aftercare services that are more comprehensive and effective in facilities such as the CCSC, CCH and NADA District Offices. - Medical and Psychiatric Services for clients in rehabilitation facilities such as the C&C, CCRC, CCSC and in certain NADA District Offices. - Increasing services to meet clients’ need in the CCSCs such as medical treatment, skills and job placement, Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) and providing services for significant others. - Addressing psychiatric problems (providing treatment for dual diagnosis). vii. Community Involvement - Community empowerment in the delivery of treatment and rehabilitation programs in the CCH. - Enlisting community involvement in treatment and rehabilitation program. viii. Partners - NGOs play a role in the delivery of treatment and rehabilitation programs. - Provide opportunity for NGO’s to manage programs in CCSC by using outsourcing and creating strategic partnerships with identified NGO’s. - Peer Educators accepted as part of recovery agents. - Creating relationships and smart partnerships with other ministries and agencies to increase treatment and Rehabilitation services (MOH, PDRM, JAKIM, and Agriculture). ix. Blue Ocean Strategy - These voluntary clinics provide an alternative to the previous Approach to addiction treatment and rehabilitation. These alternative approaches have managed to bring forth a new category of client whose refuse to receive treatment under the previous approach. It is estimated 65% of the client in Clinic C&C are new clients that was never detected previously.

C. Execution and Implementation

 4. In which ways is the initiative creative and innovative?
The key concepts behind the Cure & Care model are that services are provided according to clients’ needs, holistic and they are invited to attend voluntarily, when they are ready. The tagline for this model is “We Care, We Serve”. The objective of our transformation services is to meet the expectations of society and our stakeholders and is in line with the Malaysian Government Transformation Program and “1Malaysia People First, Performance Now”. There are currently five (5) services offered under this model, they are: 1) Cure & Care 1Malaysia Clinics 2) Cure & Care Service Centre (CCSC) 3) Cure & Care Rehabilitation Centre (CCRC) 4) Cure & Care Vocational Centre (CCVC) 5) Caring Community House (CCH) Cure & Care 1Malaysia Clinic In July 2010, the first Cure & Care 1Malaysia Clinic (C&C 1Malaysia Clinic) was launched. AADK introduce the open access concept in which all members of the society may come in voluntarily to seek treatment. This concept is in line with the treatment and rehabilitation methods recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Drug dependence is a chronic relapsing brain disease. In view of this, medication aided treatment methods is necessary. From DRC to Clinic PUSPEN C&C CLINIC Admission by law Voluntary admission Focus on abstinence-based rehabilitation only Focus on Medical Services and Treatment ‘Cold Turkey’ Detoxification Medication-Aided Detoxification Treatment only for Opiate Dependency Treatment also for other substances such as ATS/Opiates etc Treatment Duration: 1-2 years Treatment Duration: 1-3 months Clients treated in 21 PUSPEN in 2012 – 5,473 (capacity 6,050) Clients treated in 10 C&C Clinic in2012 – 12,766 (equivalent to capacity of 42 CCRC) Manpower resources - 105 Manpower resources - 69 Food costs per Resident throughout duration of treatment: RM2,880 Food costs per Resident throughout duration of treatment: RM720 As of December 2013, there is a total of 12 Clinic C&C 1Malaysia operating nationwide. Cure & Care Rehabilitation Centre (CCRC) In 2012, AADK have converted PUSPEN centres into Cure & Care Rehabilitation Centres (CCRC) and the services offered will also be transformed so that we can offer better choices and flexibility to our clients to undergo treatment. Comparison of existing and new programs Existing Program New 12 months and above under Section 12(1) APD 1983 Duration 6 months & based on client’s performance assessment under Section 12(2) APD 1983 Phases 1,2,3 and 4 Phase Based on client’s performance assessment Each client goes through the same program based on schedule and within the given phase Focus Of Program Clients recovery needs, evaluation according to client’s category & client’s level of severity 8 elements & therapeutic community – hard to implement Roll Call – 8-10 times Approach Friendly, fun and easy to implement Roll Call – 4 times Emphasis on individual counseling and non-uniform Implementation Mechanism Focus on systematic and uniform group activities in accordance with client’s recovery plan Cure & Care Vocational Centre (CCVC) In 2012, AADK established the Cure & Care Vocational Centre to assist recovered drug users who are no longer drug dependent to provide skills training, career advice and secure job placements. Course offerings are comprehensive, taking into account the market needs for jobs, and the strengths and interests of existing clients. CCVC was established with the purpose of providing more than just skills training: from a standard vocational training centre, CCVC also acts as a one stop centre for career advice, talent management, works adjustments and job placements. Cure & Care Service Centres (CCSC) The management and program delivery at the CCSCs consist of 2 models: Model A – Management And Programs Are Managed by AADK fully Model B – Management And Programs Are Managed By NGOs fully PK AADK CCSC Facility Based on existing facilities only Based on hotspot areas Program Choices Only offers re-entry program with no choices CCSC Model offers program choices Clients Recovery Needs Unsystematic programs that do not meet clients recovery needs Structured programs that meet clients recovery needs Collaboration Implemented by AADK alone Implemented as a collaboration between AADK, NGOs and local communities Client Category Programs offered did not follow client category nor severity of addiction Programs offered according to client category and severity of addiction As of December 2013, 53 CCSC are operating nation wide. Caring Community House (CCH) Caring Community House (CCH) is an institution in a community that is driven by an appointed committee among the local community. CCH was introduced to strengthen the role of the community in carrying social responsibility and provide support to the community members involved in drugs. CCH offer services such as psychosocial program, counseling as well as a centre for spiritual, sports and community program. As of December 2013, 76 CCH are operating nationwide. Cure & Care Vocational Centre (CCVC) Employment and financial stability form important components of the rehabilitation and recovery of our clients and their return to become functioning, productive contributors to society. In 2012, AADK established the Cure & Care Vocational Centre (CCVC) to assist recovered drug users who are no longer drug dependent to provide skills training, career advice and secure job placements. Admission is voluntary and is opened to all individuals with drug problems. Accommodation, food, insurance and training materials are provided. CCVC also provides a Call Centre that serves as a hub to arrange job placements for all skilled clients throughout the country. Course offerings are comprehensive, taking into account the market needs for jobs, and the strengths and interests of existing clients. CCVC was established with the purpose of providing more than just skill straining: from a standard vocational training centre, CCVC also acts as a one-stop centre for career advice, talent management, works adjustments and job placements.

 5. Who implemented the initiative and what is the size of the population affected by this initiative?
NADA Transformation program is formulated in accordant to the expectations of society and our stakeholders and is in line with the Malaysian Government Transformation Program (GTP). The transformation program was not only design to achieve the 6th NKRA but improve NADA delivery services. The transformation program was discuss and further detail out with multiple government agencies through the aforementioned CRIME and Drug Labs. On the implementation side, NADA also enlisted the help of relevant stake holder such as the NGO, other government agencies, ex-client and also the local community. NGO’s play a role in the delivery of Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs. Exploiting the strength of the NGO, strategic partnerships are form with identified NGO’s and they are given opportunity to manage programs in CCSC through outsourcing. A number of Ex client who have been able to stabilize their drug dependency are appointed as Peer Support Workers (PRS). They act as mentors for clients on their path to recovery. They are involved in outreach work, run Peer Support Groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and also help in referring clients to other services. Creating relationships and smart partnerships with other ministries and agencies to increase treatment and Rehabilitation services and to solve not only drug related problem but others problem face by clients such as medical assistance, no identification document, homeless and etc. Other agencies that are involve including the Ministry of Health (MOH), National Registration Department (JPN), Departemt of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and etc. Empowering the community to be involve with drug rehabilitation through the establishment of CCH. The program mobilizes local communities to assist in monitoring the progress of clients through a concept that utilizes existing resources and strengths within the communities.
 6. How was the strategy implemented and what resources were mobilized?
The transformation program that was introduces is a paradigm shift in designing, planning, delivering and serving clients. Central to this transformation is that we would work within the existing frameworks and with the existing resources. Infrastructure NADA transformation program introduce new and innovative services but utilizing existing resources such as converting existing compulsory rehab centre to Clinic C&C 1Malaysia and converting existing PUSPEN to CCRC. This conversion only involves upgrading the necessary facility to provide a more conducive environment to perform rehabilitation and recovery program. Human Resource The new programs introduce by NADA such as the Clinic C&C 1Malaysia a based on the concept of Open Access and clients come in voluntarily to seek treatment. This alleviates the risk of this clients running away and thus require less workforce to supervise and in term of program and safety. Clinic C&C only require 69 personnel compare to 105 personnel for traditional PUSPEN. This free up valuable resources to be remobilize and deployment into other segment of NADA services. NADA also prioritize the placement of its staff based on their core competency. Experience and trained counselor are place in the front liner to fully utilize their expertise. Suitable training is also provided to staffs based on their required job scopes. Financial Principally, NADA receive no additional funding to fund the implementation of its transformation programs. NADA fully utilize the existing Operating Expenditure (OE) and Development Expenditure (DE). NADA reprioritize it spending based on the requirement of the transformation programs. NADA do receive funding aid form the GTP and NKRA initiative. The fund receive is more of one-off nature and to achieve specific goal under the stated initiative. For the most part, the receive fund does help in the transformation program but not a major contributing factor in NADA transformation implementation.

 7. Who were the stakeholders involved in the design of the initiative and in its implementation?
The transformation of NADA’s treatment and rehabilitation program is a quantum leap and has sparked a phenomenon in the treatment and rehabilitation landscape in Malaysia. This positive transformation indirectly helped drive the GTP. The effects and outputs of NADA’s transformation can be seen from the following perspectives: i. Hopes of Stakeholders and The Community – The paradigm shifts in modern thinking changes the negative misperceptions that the society stigmatizes towards the drug addicts as a whole. Society is more open and clients are more committed in getting treated and rehabilitated. The involvement of individuals in volunteerism antidrug activities during their productive age motivated the stakeholders to provide full support in treatment and rehabilitation programs for the drug addicts. In effect, the planned transformation not only constitutes the institutional approach program, but also for clients who are inside community. ii. Crime Rate Reduction – Successful in helping the government achieve the first NKRA initiative in reducing street crime rates involving drug addicts. There has been a 39.9% reduction in street crime compared to the baseline in 2008. iii. Increase Customer Access – Increase in the number of clients accessed. The society became more open-minded and this development created awareness amongst the drug dependents and gave them strength to come forward voluntarily to receive treatment and be rehabilitated. The number of clients admission for voluntary treatment at the rehabilitation centers in 2009 was 615 clients and 564 client in 2010. The increase in number of client receiving voluntary treatment is a listed below. CLIENT REFERENCES & ADVOCACY TOTAL INPATIENT OUTPATIENT CUMULATIVE JAN - NOV 2013 3574 3487 5638 12,699 CUMULATIVE 2012 5043 3854 3869 12766 CUMULATIVE 2011 3028 2259 4080 9367 CUMULATIVE 2010 666 772 117 1555 CUMULATIVE 2010-2013 12,188 10,272 13,612 36,387 iv. International Recognition – International bodies and community recognize the transformation by NADA and became the best example of open-access services. “The people of South East Asia have been searching for alternatives to the compulsory treatment system. We are most impressed with the Cure & Care approach. Though only just over one year old, your C&C Model holds great promise for the future of Malaysia and the region. Keep up the great work! Malaysia leads the way!” (Gary Lewis. Regional Representative, UNODC) 2011. v. Service Effectiveness – Able to introduce a comprehensive and systematic treatment model by combining psychosocial and medical programs. A study titled ‘Transformation From Compulsory Drug Detention Centers to Ambulatory Care Programs’ by University Malaya (UM) on 2012 to assess the effectiveness of the C&C 1 Malaysia Clinic Sungai Besi and clients’ attitudes towards the services received. This study shows that 94.4% of clients confessed that the C&C treatment reduced their drug addiction cravings and they satisfied with the services provided by the C&C Clinic staff. 90% of clients were prepared and willing to recommend C&C services to peers with drug problems. NADA as a government agency, has successfully delivered on our mission whilst also adhering to the 1Malaysia concept. “People First, Performance Now”. As a result, NADA continues to be recognized both nationally and internationally and most importantly, our services are felt by the people we strive to serve. By using new media NADA also committed in delivering message and knowledge through anti drugs campaign. Mia and Adam’s Story was new approach using to attract people and increase awareness about drug abuse. It can be accessed through the website www.wecareweserve.org.

 8. What were the most successful outputs and why was the initiative effective?
The progress and performance of transformation program is constantly monitor by various committee at NADA head quarter level. Most of the committee is chair by NADA’S Director General. This is to cut on red tape and any major decision can swiftly be decided. In addition to the decision making process, NADA has also design and implemented an online management system for its clients called MyAADK. The system objective is to modernize NADA clients managements system including profile management, treatment record, recovery program and past cases. The system can be accessed in all NADA offices nationwide including all of Clinic C&C 1Malaysia, CCRC, Triage (client assortment centre), CCSC dan district offices. The system is develop internally with consultation from Malaysian Administrative Modernization and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU) and assistance from technical officers from National Registration Department (JPM)and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). NADA frequently report the performance of its transformations program to the various stake holders. This is to ensure that NADA receive feedback on the implementation of its programs. One such occurrence is NADA presented changes on its transformation program to the Delivery Task Force Meeting on Crime Related Issues chaired by the honorable YAB Tan Sri Deputy Prime Minister on 28 April 2011. List here is a list of the most recently presentation to the stake holders. Meeting Chairman Date Treatment and Recovery Task Force (Jawatankuasa Bertindak Rawatan dan Pemulihan) Y.B Datuk S. Subramaniam Minister of Health 17 October 2013 Committee on Prevention, Education and Publicity (Jawatankuasa Bertindak Pencegahan, Pendidikan dan Publisiti) Y.B Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Bin Cheek Minister of Communication and Multimedia Commission 29 October 2013 Task Force Of Drug Law (Jawatankuasa Bertindak Penguatkuasaan Undang-undang) Y.B Datuk Dr. Wan Junaidi Tunku Jaafar Deputy Minister of Home Affairs 18 November 2013 National Social Council (Majlis Sosial Negara) YAB Tan Sri Dato’ Hj. Muhyiddin Yassin Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia 9 December 2013

 9. What were the main obstacles encountered and how were they overcome?
Ensuring the NADA Cure & Care model is rolled out by: 1) Sustaining key stakeholder support and buy-in for the transformation 2) Promoting and sustaining the new brand of NADA as an organisation 3) Reducing the stigma against people who use drugs in the community and helping clients return to be functioning individuals 4) Deepening of engagement with key stakeholders particularly NGOs, community and the public sector 5) Further exposure to best practices models internationally to continue alignment of approaches 6) Disseminating learning experiences and outcomes and gain international support and recognition for the organisation Returning clients to become healthy, functioning individuals by: 1) Providing nationwide reach and coverage of services to meet the service needs 2) Ensuring positive outcomes for clients in treatment that meet their expectations 3) Providing a comprehensive suite of treatment options that addresses all medical and psychosocial needs of clients 4) Providing skills, training and creating employment opportunities for AADK clients Empowering and engaging all levels of staff by: 1) Upskilling, empowering NADA staff to enable them to design and implemented Programs 2) Building capacity and increasing professionalism of NADA staff to deliver services and when facing clients, partners and stakeholders 3) Engaging NADA staff at all levels to sustain the transformation journey, and aligning their behavior to meet the organisation’s expactations 4) Recognising their efforts and achievement in order to sustain the buy-in of the transformation Innovating to ensure implementation success by: 1) Strengthening the execution of the transformation by establishing supporting infrastructure to meet the estimated targets 2) Corporatisation on treatment and rehabilitation services 3) Laveraging on IT to monitor and deliver services for clients

D. Impact and Sustainability

 10. What were the key benefits resulting from this initiative?
The National Anti Drugs Agency (NADA), has introduced an open concept initiative known as the 1Malaysia Cure & Care Clinics. These voluntary clinics provide an alternative to the previous approach to addiction treatment and rehabilitation. There are no prerequisites for admission into this Programs nor any legal implications. To strengthen the initiative based on the principle of voluntariness, Cure & Care Service Centers (CCSC) have been established throughout the country to ensure that people who use drugs will have the opportunity to step out of the vicious cycle of drug dependence. The Caring Community House (CCH) is an initiative to involve the community in efforts to rehabilitate drug dependants. CCH is a rehabilitation facility operated by the local community and acts as a One-Stop Access Centre or Drop-In Centre in addition to being a resource for drug related information. A study titled ‘Transformation From Compulsory Drug Detention Centres To Amblatory Care Programs’ was conducted by researchers from University Malaya (UM), led by Prof. Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman from October 2011 to March 2012 to assess the effectiveness of the C&C 1Malaysia Clinic, Sungai Besi and clients attitudes towards the services received. This study was carried out on 313 clients, through interviews by UM researchers. Rates of injection drug use in the study cohort decreased from 46.4% to 8.9%. Meanwhile, 61% of clients are confident that they will not return to drug use in the near future. 94.4% of clients were satisfied with the services provided by the C&C Clinic Staff. 93.2% clients were satisfied with other general medical treatment received at C&C. 95.6% of clients were satisfied with the Methadone Maintenance Therapy. 70% of clients stated that the free services, medicine detoxification Program and client confidentiality were important factors for clients who come for inpatient services. 75.9% said they would keep out of jail and avoid from getting arrested. 94.4% of clients confessed that the C&C treatment reduced their drug addiction cravings. And 77.6% of clients proclaimed that the C&C treatment help fix relationships with family and friends. Since Cure & Care launch in July 2010, Cure & Care services (Clinics C&C, CCSC & CCH) have collectively received nearly a million visits from clients and their significant others. The number of clients presenting for voluntary treatment at the rehabilitation centers has increased by over 800% compared to 2009. 1,647 of our clients are now on Methadone Maintenance Therapy as part of the National Harm Reduction Program for HIV Prevention. 40% are on Antiretroviral Treatment. There has been 39% reduction in street crime compared to the baseline in 2008. International Recognition World Health Organisation reported that the cure and care approach is an important landmark in Malaysia’s response to drug use and HIV/ AIDS. The objectives and activities of the operational model in drug rehabilitation centres confirm the shift from punitive approaches to harm reduction models. The recent changes also confirm that a new paradigm is emerging, where a variety of treatment options that best meet client’s need are available from them to choose from within these government – operated institutions. Al-Jazeera Documentary- Speed Trap Mr Andrew Marshall, Co-producer, “Asia’s Speed Trap” shown on Al Jazeera in 2011, said that, “Director Orlando de Guzman and I spent two fascinating days at the Cure & Care Clinic in Sg Besi. We spoke to many staff and patients, and were privileged to watch daily life unfold there. We were impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the staff and by the air positivity, openness and hope among the patient. The clinic was stark contrast to a compulsory rehab centre, or military boot-camp, we had visited in Thailand, where inmates spent most of the day marching up and down, and relapse rates are extremely high. During our research for this documentary, it became obvious that Southeast Asia is at risk of losing the battle against drugs, especially among those most at risk: young people. Innovative new approaches are desperately required, which is why we came to Malaysia to film the C&C Program. I expect our Program will be watched with particular interest by health professionals and policy makers in neighboring countries, which have yet to muster the political will to take a more humane and evidence-based approach to drug rehabilitation.”

 11. Did the initiative improve integrity and/or accountability in public service? (If applicable)
The transformation program that has been implemented by NADA is to ensure that our services continue to be relevant and are felt by the people, the Rakyat. The transformation in our services has been implemented with the objective of meeting the expectations of society and our stakeholders and is in line with the Malaysian Government Transformation Program and “1Malaysia People First, Performance Now”. The Cure & Care approach is the basis for all service settings offered by AADK with the tagline “We Care, We Serve” that aims to return clients to become healthy, functioning individuals. The changes and improvement in NADA services surely cannot stop here. As long as drug abuse remains to be major social problem in our country, NADA have to continue to expand and improve its services delivery. NADA is the sole government agency entrusted to treat and rehabilitate drug addict /drug dependence. As such, it is very important to see that NADA transformation is in alignment with Drug Dependants (Treatment And Rehabilitation) Act 1983. The spirit of the act is to provide second chance to all clients to live a life free of drugs. It is important that NADA continue to receive mandate from stakeholders to continue with its ongoing efforts. It must be said that drug itself is not the root of the problem. Client that got involve in drug abuse is more likely to be drawn to drug abuse by the pressure cause by social problem in their everyday life. As such, solving drug problem in our country is enormous task that can’t be carry out by a single agency/entity but only by a collective effort of all relevant department /agency / NGO and the community. This is the reason and that NADA transformation doesn’t only encompass changes within but also continuing to form strategic partnership with all relevant parties. The approach undertaken under NADA transformation program had created a new phenomenon and attracted the attention of world’s bodies and other countries. World’s bodies such as WHO, UNODC, IFNGO, UNAIDS had recognized the achievement of transformation under NADA. Clinic 1Malaysia C&C Sungai Besi had hosted international visit from delegation of 23 countries and 6 international bodies. Few delegation from other countries also had express the desire to learn from our experience and plan to replicate the same kind of services in their country. It is our hope that this plan can come to fruition and further develop into a experience exchange program between our countries.

 12. Were special measures put in place to ensure that the initiative benefits women and girls and improves the situation of the poorest and most vulnerable? (If applicable)
The implementation of NADA transformation has been a momentous learning experience. We have learned to listen to our clients and their needs. We have learned about what works and what could be done better. We have also learned how to work better with our partners and stakeholders. Moving forward into the future, we are committed to continue our path towards becoming a better agency, serving the needs of our clients and delivering results to our stakeholders. Towards this end, the plans for further improvements are already afoot with the continued image transformation from an enforcement agency to a caring one, whilst we build capacity and capability of our people to provide better services for our clients. We will continue to work with our partners and empower communities to play their role in the treatment and rehabilitation paradigm. We will continue our journey towards enhanced services and improved treatment results and welcome the sharing of best practices with other service providers around the world. Treating drug dependency brings benefits to the drug dependants, their families and significant others and society in general. It is for these reasons that we will continue to do our best to deliver the best for our clients as part of our pledge to care and serve them in line with our motto “We Care, We Serve”.

Contact Information

Institution Name:   Agensi Anti Dadah Kebangsaan
Institution Type:   Government Agency  
Contact Person:   Azra Nuhairi Abdul Aziz
Title:   Mr.  
Telephone/ Fax:   0389112233
Institution's / Project's Website:  
E-mail:   azra_nuhairi@adk.gov.my  
Address:   Aras G, Blok A, Jalan Maktab Perguruan Islam
Postal Code:   43000
City:   Kajang
State/Province:   Selangor
Country:  

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