BACHOK, KELANTAN, MALAYSIA March 1, 2026 – Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail yesterday participated in a sahur (pre-dawn meal) programme with 141 female clients at the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN) Bachok, Kelantan, as part of the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) Noble Values Implementation Programme.
In a media briefing after the event, Saifuddin, accompanied by National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Director Dato’ Ruslin Jusoh and senior KDN officials, said his presence was to demonstrate the ministry’s leadership commitment in providing moral support to the clients, making the rehabilitation programme more effective.
“I came together with KDN leadership so that the clients can see for themselves the support and encouragement given by the Ministry and AADK to them. This presence gives a picture of the ministry leadership’s commitment to help them. If this message is well received, the rehabilitation programme will be far more effective,” he said.
He had the opportunity to greet and interact with the clients. Many came from Kedah — nearly every table had someone from Kedah — with ages ranging from 15 years, 17 years, those in their 20s, 30s and above.
PUSPEN Bachok currently houses 141 female clients, of whom 17 entered voluntarily while the rest were admitted through court orders.
Decriminalisation encourages voluntary admission
Saifuddin recalled the amendment to the Drug Addicts Act passed in Parliament two years ago that decriminalised voluntary admission to rehabilitation centres, meaning their names would not be recorded as a criminal offence.
“This is important because if they enter voluntarily, half of our task is already completed since they themselves have chosen to seek treatment,” he said, stressing that the stigma of a patient needing treatment differs from that of a criminal. This was why the amendment was made to enable voluntary entry.
The amendment received written approval from the Attorney General and support from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), which has helped increase awareness and voluntary admissions.
Holistic module and daily routine
AADK implements a comprehensive rehabilitation module focusing on spiritual, social, emotional and cognitive aspects, in line with the human elements of mind, body and soul.
On normal days, clients wake up at 4am for night prayers. During Ramadan, it is easier — the Minister joined them for sahur today and will pray Subuh together.
Their daily routine begins at 5am before dawn prayer, followed by breakfast, physical activities, farming work, classes and even spa facilities.
The standard duration is two years, but clients showing positive discipline and progress can be released earlier.
80% effectiveness
The key measure of the programme’s success is the low relapse rate, achieving nearly 80% effectiveness.
“In prisons, we call it recidivism — whether they return within three years after release or not. The same measurement is used here,” Saifuddin explained.
Overall, around 6,000 clients are in institutional rehabilitation while 50,000 to 60,000 are monitored in the community. There are 30 PUSPEN centres nationwide, including another women’s centre in Dengkil, Selangor.
There is no age limit for voluntary admission as long as the individual realises they have a problem — whether drug addiction (such as methamphetamine or ATS) or substance abuse without a doctor’s prescription.
Proactive action on Serdang case
Responding to questions on the recent EAIC report, Saifuddin said AADK itself detected the incident at PUSPEN Serdang, Kedah in November 2024, involving 47 clients and three support staff supplying drugs.
“The three staff were removed from PUSPEN Serdang and transferred to the Kedah State AADK office. One tested positive for drugs and was dismissed after the Disciplinary Board proceedings in October 2025. The other two will face the Disciplinary Board tomorrow (2 March),” he said.
Action was taken before the EAIC report was issued. AADK continues random urine tests on clients and staff, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) will be invited if there are corruption elements.
On the Chief of Police’s statement regarding complaints aimed at toppling the government, Saifuddin confirmed that last Friday’s Cabinet meeting decided all complaints must receive priority for police investigation.
Yesterday’s programme enabled the Minister to witness PUSPEN operations firsthand and identify ways for further improvement.
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