Kuala lumpur: The attitude of parents who are overly concerned about social stigma, to the extent of concealing their children's involvement in drugs, hinders early rehabilitation efforts and could jeopardize the children's future. Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation's (MCPF) Drug-related Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee chairman Datuk Kamarudin Md Ali said drug addiction should not be hidden, as those affected require proper guidance and support to recover.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kamarudin emphasized the importance of parents taking proactive and swift action by bringing children involved in drug addiction to the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) to obtain appropriate assistance and rehabilitation. He highlighted the need for parents to be aware of physical and behavioral changes in their children that may indicate involvement in drug abuse, urging them not to feel ashamed or fear social stigma if their children are caught up in addiction. He shared these insights while appearing as a guest on the 'Jerat Halusinasi: Antara Penjara dan Jalan Pemulihan' (Hallucination Trap: Between Prison and the Road to Recovery), produced by Bernama Mobile Studio at Felda Bukit Waha recently.
Kamarudin also stressed the importance of collective responsibility in supporting rehabilitation efforts, calling for comprehensive involvement from village heads, penghulu, community leaders, mosque institutions, counselors, neighbors, and immediate family members. He stated that efforts to assist those involved in drug addiction should not rest solely on the AADK and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), but instead require the collective cooperation of the entire community. He pointed out that currently, 70 percent of inmates in prisons are involved in drug-related cases, and if this situation continues, it will not resolve the drug problem in the country.
Meanwhile, he advised parents to bring children involved in drug addiction to the nearest AADK office or contact recognized rehabilitation centers to seek appropriate treatment. He mentioned that the MCPF has branches in every district and offers advisory services to help individuals involved in drug addiction obtain appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. He clarified that they do not immediately lodge a police report, as that is a last resort; their priority is to assist those affected by addiction in accessing suitable treatment and recovery programs.
He added that MCPF and AADK also work closely to raise public awareness through various programs, including the 'FELDA: Desaku Mendunia - Generasi Sihat Komuniti Hebat'. Such programs are aimed at increasing awareness, particularly in rural areas, while promoting healthy lifestyles and nurturing a community that is vigilant and responsive to issues related to drug addiction.