Perak’s first rehabilitation centre for drug addicts became operational in October last year. The facility, costing RM1.1 million and aptly named Pusat Pangasih Amanjaya Perak, is built on a 4-acre site in Gopeng.
During a handing-over of office equipment and furniture ceremony held at the centre recently, the President of the Malaysian Caring Society (Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia), Datuk Mohd Yusof Pathi thanked the state government for making the facility a reality.
“Our 25-year wait is now over. I am indebted to the Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri DiRaja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir for fulfilling his promise to addicts in the state. Finally, we now have a dedicated centre for the convenience of those who suffer from drug and substance addiction,” said Mohd Yusof to reporters.
The office equipment and furniture amounted to over RM30,000 and they included tables, chairs, computers, laptops and projectors, among others. The centre currently accommodates 18 inmates or ‘clients’ aged between 18 to 60 years old. It adopts an open concept to make life less stressful for the inmates.
“Calling them clients makes a difference, as the social stigma is considerable. The open concept too makes it easier for them to interact with their family members,” added Mohd Yusof.
The inmates undergo a 6-month basic programme aimed at rehabilitating them from the scourge of drug addiction. A mentor-mentee relationship is being adopted to hasten the healing process. During their stay at the centre family interaction is being encouraged to create a sense of belonging.
Mohd Yusof said that society members conduct visits to schools and factories to counsel students and workers on the evils of drug and substance addiction.
Present at the ceremony was the Manager of the Perak Pengasih Aman Jaya Project, Badrul Hisham Ahamed Pakeh.
Ruby Nordin
