HAVING already suffered from the crippling and disastrous psychophysical effects of dangerous narcotics and illicit substances, an addict, eventually detained by the authorities for his crimes, is put into a rehabilitation centre, dreading the pain he has to endure. He pushes through the detoxification process, experiencing violent withdrawals and painful seizures, and prays every night alone for his recovery, motivated by the dream of a life of normalcy. 

After months pass his eyes start to glisten and begins to smile he is finally brought back out in the world, sober. He then sets out on a new chapter of his life.

However, he begins to realise his dreams are short-lived. His wounds begin to draw negative attention. He is turned away from work and is mercilessly shamed, shunned by friends and family. He is left abandoned, miserable and alone, finding himself in the very painful situation he had once been in. 

This narrative is but one of the many lived truths of recovering addicts in Malaysia. It needs to change.

Drug addiction plagues our country and is highly recidivistic. Relapses among addicts continues to be exceedingly high post-rehab, at a rate of 28% according to a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia study. While the issue of relapses may be attributed to a panoply of factors, public neglect happens to be one of many such underlying causes that require urgent redress. Kuala Lumpur-based think-tank The Centre reported that last year, a census had showed just 6% of Malaysians were tolerant of those who had a history with drug addiction. Addicts have reported instances of mistreatment, their efforts to reintegrate into Malaysian society severely maligned due to public perception.

Such an instance does the country’s drug rehabilitation process no favours, as its conditioning to facilitate their recovery and eventual assimilation into society is met with public scepticism and ostracism. The victims of drug abuse, who aspire a life of change, ought to have their practical needs accommodated to pave the way for progressive recovery. The persistence of public scepticism stems from a continued distrust and lack of conviction as to the tarnished profile of former drug addicts. 

This raises pressing concerns, with societal divisions of this magnitude only concentrating the influences of drugs in particular areas, inadvertently turning them into narcotic cesspits. Authorities have already establish that, for instance, low-cost government housing continues – in Batu, Wangsa Maju, Setiawangsa, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Titiwangsa, Lembah Pantai and Seputeh – to be breeding grounds for the illegal substances.

These issues are but a recipe for a future public health emergency. Gradual spillovers from these communities into Malaysian societies allow the spread of dangerous substances across the country – infesting both rural and urban communities. In socially quarantining disaffected groups, the problem of drug addiction isn’t eradicated but momentarily suppressed – increasing in potency and influence, ravaging present and future generations. 

If sunlight has been described as the best disinfectant, then what is needed in terms of public policy is for a light to be shone at these dark crevasses, driving out hostile forces that encroach upon isolated groups – strengthening social unity and harmony.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s proposed national philosophy of “Malaysia Madani” envisions a country that enjoys the benefits of a developed civilisation. This vision must encompass a planned mission to oversee the settlement of recovering addicts in Malaysian communities if the nation wishes to experience true prosperity. The government could look into establishing stronger, newfound initiatives to develop social inclusion policies. For our society to have their trust reinstated, authorities not only ought to develop its rehabilitation institutions but also new social protection mechanisms. This pertains to institutional assistance being afforded to former addicts connect with interested communities, that is to establish civil society groups, to aid and oversee their transition from rehab into everyday life, allowing for better integration.

The actions of recovering addicts must continue to be strictly monitored so as to assure the public that security is also accounted for. Authorities can coordinate with different civil societies to establish a safe space for people from disenfranchised, poorer communities who suffer from these issues.

The government could also explore the decriminalisation of hard drugs and develop more comprehensive educational and awareness campaigns for recovering addicts. This all-encompassing mission could serve to extirpate the problem of drug addiction in the country permanently. – March 24, 2023.

* Pravin Periasamy reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.