AADK REPLACES STAFF, INITIATES DISCIPLINARY ACTION OVER SERDANG PUSPEN DRUG CASE

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK)  has replaced several staff members and initiated disciplinary proceedings following allegations that 47 clieed disciplinary proceedings against staff members over allegations that 47 clients at the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN) in Serdang, Kedah, tested positive for methamphetamine

AADK Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the agency takes seriously the findings and report by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC)on misconduct involving AADK personnel at the centre.

“AADK will not compromise with any party found to have breached integrity or violated the law.

“Following the incident, we have taken immediate action by replacing the staff involved and have begun disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993,” he said in a statement.

Ruslin added that surprise inspections and urine screening tests are being conducted at PUSPEN facilities nationwide to ensure a drug-free rehabilitation environment.

“AADK will also follow up on the recommendations for improvement from EAIC to strengthen the regulatory system, strengthen the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and strengthen integrity compliance at all AADK facilities, especially at PUSPEN,” he said.

He said AADK would continue to work closely with EAIC in efforts to improve good governance, especially involving investigations into any complaints of misconduct and integrity among AADK staff.

Yesterday, EAIC revealed that there was a violation of instructions by officers while on duty at PUSPEN Serdang, leading to 47 clients suspected of testing positive for methamphetamine.

EAIC decided to refer the investigation results to the AADK Disciplinary Authority with a recommendation for disciplinary punishment under Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 [P.U.(A) 395/1993].

In addition, EAIC also recommended that stricter regulations be implemented to ensure that no prohibited substances are brought into PUSPEN.

-- BERNAMA