GLCS, PRIVATE SECTOR URGED TO ADOPT DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAMME

GEORGE TOWN, Dec 8 (Bernama) -- Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today called on all government-linked companies (GLCs), private-sector employers and industry players in the state to adopt the Drug-Free Workplace Programme (TEKAD) as a standard operational practice rather than merely an auxiliary initiative.

He said TEKAD should not be viewed only as a legal compliance measure, but as an important long-term investment in an organisation’s future.

“When employees are free from drug influence, they can work with greater focus, reduce the risk of accidents, increase productivity, protect the organisation’s reputation and ultimately become valuable assets to the state and the nation.

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“In Penang, we are pursuing various economic development agendas, but the most important progress lies in building strong human capital, individuals who are physically healthy, emotionally stable and with strong integrity,” he said.

The chief minister said this at the presentation of the TEKAD Programme Recognition Certificate to the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAP), the first water operator in Malaysia to receive the recognition.

Chow said PBAPP’s achievement reflects the organisation’s strong leadership, clear policies and commitment to safeguarding employee welfare and upholding integrity in its daily operations.

He noted that PBAPP is also the first GLC in the state to fully comply with TEKAD standards.

Chow added that PBAPP’s success in implementing TEKAD across a large organisation with more than 1,500 employees demonstrates that the programme can be replicated by other organisations statewide.

“We want Penang to be not only developed, but also a state whose people are healthy, productive and free from the influence of drugs. This is in line with the Penang 2030 Vision,” he said.

-- BERNAMA