Our Story
At the heart of OAPTAR lies a commitment to people - families, students, and communities - driven by the belief that effective drug demand reduction must be both scientifically sound and deeply compassionate. Founded to fill a critical void in Malaysia’s social landscape, OAPTAR leverages global standards to empower local systems. Below is an overview of our history, our leadership in prevention and recovery, and our ongoing mission to strengthen the workforce that supports a healthier nation.
Our History & Background
OAPTAR was founded to address the urgent need for a science-driven, community-focused approach to drug demand reduction in Malaysia. Built upon decades of experience in counselling, prevention science, treatment, recovery support, and international collaboration, OAPTAR was established to fill a critical gap - providing structured, evidence-based programmes that strengthen systems and empower communities.
The organisation grew from long-standing work with schools, families, rural and indigenous communities, policymakers, and global experts. Our leadership has contributed to national reforms, international training initiatives, regional collaborations, and the development of community-based services.
Today, OAPTAR is recognised for its leadership in school-based prevention, family programmes, workforce development, and treatment and recovery strengthening.
