KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 — The negative stigma surrounding drug addiction must be changed to facilitate access to treatment and professional support for recovery, said Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Dr Wan Azizah said addicts are ordinary people who, like everyone else, make mistakes in life, whose mistakes, although minor, are made worse by substance abuse.
She said with better understanding from society and a second chance, addicts have the opportunity to recover and thrive, as everyone has hidden potential.
“Like me in the past. I faced various challenges and criticism when I first got involved in politics. I used to be a doctor treating patients, and suddenly I became a politician. At one point, I didn’t even know how to speak as a politician. But in the end, I had to learn.
“That’s why I believe everyone faces their own challenges and makes mistakes in life. However, we shouldn’t feel small or be judged by society,” she said in her speech when officiating at the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Open Day 2024 at Sungai Besi Drug Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) here today, which was also attended by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Dr Wan Azizah said the event aimed to raise awareness about treatment and rehabilitation services offered by AADK.
It also aims to enhance collaborative efforts with government departments, non-governmental organisations, and local communities in conducting drug prevention, treatment and rehabilitation activities.
In conjunction with the programme, AADK launched a new service: online addiction treatment and rehabilitation via the Tele-Hello AADK hotline at 1-800-22-2235 or WhatsApp at 019-626 2233.
“AADK is actively promoting voluntary drug treatment and rehabilitation efforts.
“According to 2023 statistics, 961 voluntary clients received treatment and rehabilitation within institutions, while 1,499 voluntary clients underwent community-based treatment and rehabilitation,” she said.
She said the number was significantly lower compared with those undergoing mandatory treatment and rehabilitation programmes, which involves 8,958 people in Puspen and 63,873 in the community.
— Bernama
