Penang’s chief minister calls for the TEKAD programme to be a standard practice, not just compliance, to build healthy human capital and boost productivity.
GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has urged all government-linked companies (GLCs) and private sector employers to adopt the Drug-Free Workplace Programme (TEKAD) as a standard operational practice.
He said the initiative should be viewed as a long-term investment in an organisation’s future, not merely a legal compliance measure.
“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,” Chow said.
He made the call at a ceremony presenting a TEKAD recognition certificate to the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).
PBAPP is the first water operator in Malaysia and the first GLC in Penang to receive the certification.
Chow said the achievement reflects strong leadership and a clear commitment to employee welfare and operational integrity.
He noted that PBAPP’s successful implementation across its workforce of over 1,500 employees proves the programme can be replicated by other large organisations.
The chief minister linked the initiative to the broader Penang 2030 Vision for a developed state with healthy, productive people.
“In Penang, we are pursuing various economic development agendas, but the most important progress lies in building strong human capital,” he said.
