National Social Council to review anti-drug campaigns

The National Social Council is reviewing the effectiveness of drug prevention campaigns among teenagers by focusing on addressing the causes of addiction.

The decision was made at its meeting today, which was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

The council, in a statement issued today, said methods to address drug abuse should be in line with the government's intention to decriminalise drug addiction and will involve the cooperation of MPs and assemblypersons.

At the meeting today, the council also agreed with the proposal to draw up more inclusive and comprehensive laws to address homelessness and begging, as well as on the implementation of ExoCamp (Explore, Experience, Extreme and Organised).

ExoCamp is a pilot programme by the Youth and Sports Ministry aimed at enhancing cooperation with local authorities to provide long-term intervention in residential areas to address social problems among teenagers.

Four papers were presented during the meeting, including data sharing on the issue of baby dumping by the Home Ministry, and the transformation of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) by the Human Resources Ministry.

The other two papers were on special programmes for handling of custody and alimony cases, as well as the setting up of the enforcement and implementation division at the Federal Territory Syariah Court by the Syariah Judiciary Department and the 'Diversion’ pilot project by Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

The National Social Council was established as the implementing machinery of the National Social Policy, which is an umbrella policy covering philosophy and various policies on social development.

- Bernama