KUALA LUMPUR – The government has been urged to provide fixed grants to non-governmental organisations involved in tackling drug addiction.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali said at present, the assistance given is “based on the situation”.
“I think the government should provide fixed and affordable grants to NGOs that want to help. A drug addict has an illness; they’re not criminals.
“The Health Ministry has to be concerned, because it involves mental treatment as well. I think the government should provide more funds,” he told the media at a breaking-of-fast event with Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia yesterday.
In his speech earlier, Dr Noor Azmi said the ministry is trying to obtain funds for mental health treatment required due to drug use.
Pengasih president Ramli Abdul Samad said 70% of drug addicts suffer physical and mental health illnesses.
He expressed hope that the ministry will channel aid to enable the association to provide follow-up treatment and rehabilitation services.
“Most of the patients who come here have mental complications. The National Anti-Drug Agency does not accept those with mental problems. Pengasih is willing to work with the ministry on this issue.
“We also hope for help in terms of a budget for us to provide such services. We hope the government will seriously look into this.”
He said Kuala Lumpur Pengasih has 60 patients currently. – Bernama, April 28, 2021
