Minister of Interior Sar Kheng has called on private businesses across the country to establish drug treatment and rehabilitation centres. This, he believes, will relieve the state’s burden and support families affected by drug misuse.
While inaugurating the Ke Sinuon Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Sdao commune of Battambang province’s Ratanak Mondol district, Sar Kheng highlighted a programme initiated by the government to tackle drugs.
Commending the achievement of the centre, he called it a contribution to society and to aiding the families of victims. He encouraged the centre and appealed for more such facilities across the country, both in Battambang and beyond.
“I’m greatly heartened by the private sector’s dedication to aiding the rehabilitation of drug addicts,” he said.
Sar Kheng explained that the creation of more centres not only eases the state budget burden but also places some responsibility on families with dependent children in these private facilities.
He emphasised the importance of international cooperation in tackling drug issues, urging collaboration between countries including Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
Sok Lou, the governor of Battambang province which also shares its border with Thailand, echoed Kheng’s sentiments, saying the battle against drugs is a priority for the provincial administration. The authorities, he added, have rigorously enforced the government’s safe village-commune policy to eradicate drug dealings and create drug-free communities.
“We rounded up 522 drug addicts in 2022 and 2023, sending them to various treatment and rehabilitation centres in the province. The Ke Sinuon centre and its partners have reintegrated them into communities, with family and local authority support,” Lou added.
Lou also mentioned the efforts of the provincial committee on drugs to halt dealings by setting up checkpoints along the border. Currently, the Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre is providing help to 54 drug addicts, while another 229 have completed treatment and returned home.
