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KOTA TINGGI: 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 jeopardise 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.

He said parents should take proactive and swift action by bringing children involved in drug addiction to the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) to obtain appropriate assistance and rehabilitation.

“Parents need to be aware of physical and behavioural changes in their children that may indicate involvement in drug abuse. They should not feel ashamed or fear social stigma if their children are caught up in addiction,” he said when 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 here recently.

Kamarudin also emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in supporting rehabilitation efforts, calling for comprehensive involvement from village heads, penghulu, community leaders, mosque institutions, counsellors, neighbours and immediate family members.

He said 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.

“Currently, 70 per cent of inmates in prisons are involved in drug-related cases. If this situation continues, it will not resolve the drug problem in the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, he advised parents to bring children involved in drug addiction to the nearest AADK office or contact recognised rehabilitation centres to seek appropriate treatment.

He also said that the MCPF has branches in every district and offers advisory services to help individuals involved in drug addiction obtain appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.

“We do not immediately lodge a police report; that is a last resort. Our priority is to assist those affected by addiction in accessing suitable treatment and recovery programmes,” he said.

He added that MCPF and AADK also work closely to raise public awareness through various programmes, including the ‘FELDA: Desaku Mendunia - Generasi Sihat Komuniti Hebat’.

Such programmes, he said, 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.