Details of the National Authority for Combatting Drugs app "NoDrug". The application can be used by members of the public to access information about drug education, as well as to file anonymous reports about drug-related issues in their communities.
Nearly 3,000 people have downloaded the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD)’s NoDrug app in the fortnight since it was launched. The app allows members of the public to report drug-related issues in their communities to authorities.
Lim Tong Huot, director of the NACD’s Legislation, Education and Rehabilitation Department, said that since the app was officially launched on April 23, close to 3,000 people have downloaded it, including several foreigners.
“People are downloading it to use every day. This is why we launched it,” he explained, adding that most people downloaded it on the day of its launch or at the friendly football match, “Together for Charity and the Fight against Drugs”, which saw over 30,000 people attend the game, held at the National Olympic Stadium on May 1.
Those who download it can access a database of information about drugs and learn many life skills that will provide protection for themselves, families and friends from becoming involved with illegal drugs.
The app also includes educational videos, information and details about public and private rehabilitation centres across the Kingdom. People can also use it to file anonymous reports about drug-related issues, according to the NACD.
“Installing NoDrug is beneficial for everyone, as they can use it to ask for intervention in drug cases in their communities. Every report is confidential. If people want to protect their communities from the scourge of drugs, NoDrug can help. Anyone can use it to file a report and find a solution,” said an NACD social media post.
Tong Huot added that the NACD will continue to increase public awareness of the app, as many people do not yet understand how it can help them.
“Once they have the app in their hand, they can play a role in reducing the societal harm caused in their communities by drugs by filing a complaint. We have already received one report after another,” he said.
He explained that previously it was difficult for some people to make complaints, as they were unsure where or to whom to submit a report, but the app has changed that. After a report is received, it will be forwarded to the Municipal or Provincial Drug Control Committee, and a team will act on it immediately.
Minister of Information and chair of the Education and Dissemination Commission of the Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign Neth Pheaktra presided over the launch of the app.
He called for all members of the public to use the app, and to encourage their friends and family members to use it, too.
Meas Sovann, director of the Drug Addict Relief Association of Cambodia (DARAC) in Kandal province, believed the app will contribute to drug prevention work, in addition to increasing the dissemination of drug-related issues, especially among the youth.
“It is helpful, particularly for the youth, as they use modern technology like mobile phones the most, but it might be a bit more difficult for the elderly,” he said.
