By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Aug 26: Sarawak is considering to establish a State-run drug rehabilitation centre to expand treatment capacity and provide a more suitable pathway for individuals seeking recovery voluntarily.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the proposal was discussed at today’s Sarawak Anti-Drug Action Council (MTMD) meeting, which agreed that a working paper should be prepared for consideration by the State Cabinet.
“It is only a proposal at this stage. It has not yet been brought to the Cabinet. However, the meeting today more or less agreed with AADK’s proposal for the State to establish and manage a rehabilitation centre.
“This is a problem that we cannot simply set aside. Drug abuse is a social problem that exists in every country. We cannot say that it is not our problem and that it is solely a federal matter. Sarawak also has to look at it from its own perspective,” he told reporters after chairing the meeting at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUNS) Complex here.
He said the proposed centre would complement existing rehabilitation facilities while addressing challenges related to treatment, rehabilitation and the broader management of drug-related issues in Sarawak.
Abdul Karim said AADK Sarawak and the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development would prepare the working paper, which could subsequently be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
He said Sarawak currently had one Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen), located at Puncak Borneo, while proposed Puspen facilities in Miri and Sibu were also being considered, particularly in terms of suitable sites and land availability.
However, he said the existing Puspen had reached its capacity of about 300 residents and should not simply be expanded without giving due consideration to the quality and effectiveness of rehabilitation.
“We do not want it to become like a prison. A rehabilitation centre must provide a proper environment where ultimately we can achieve successful rehabilitation,” he said.
Abdul Karim also expressed concern over two applications for private rehabilitation centres in Miri and Sibu that are currently undergoing registration and are linked to religious organisations.
He said the proposed State-run facility should be non-religious, allowing residents of different faiths to receive appropriate religious guidance without creating sensitivities.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said the proposed site for the AADK Miri office had received approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN).
However, he said a working paper would still have to be submitted through the relevant Sarawak ministry for Cabinet approval, as the land is under KDN.
Despite the challenges, Abdul Karim said Sarawak’s drug situation remained comparatively manageable compared with other states in Malaysia, but stressed that vigilance and early intervention remained crucial.
“Drug problems are like a fire. If they are not nipped in the bud, they will continue to smoulder and spread,” he said. — DayakDaily
