Compiled by C. ARUNO, JUNAID IBRAHIM and R. ARAVINTHAN
PROFESSIONALS consisting of teachers, doctors, high-ranking executives and government officials were among drug addicts receiving rehabilitation through support groups.
Harian Metro reported that the individuals used “tranquillisers” as they could not cope with workplace pressure and studies.
Survivor Diary Recovery Support Group founder Suzaidy Sulaiman said some of them were curious at the initial stage before becoming addicted.
“These people are smart but lack understanding of the effects of drugs.
“As a result, they failed to control themselves and ended up becoming drug addicts,” he said.
Suzaidy, a former addict, said some university students gave the excuse of accidentally taking drugs because of learning problems and loss of focus.
“This group has an awareness and understanding of the long-term effects of drugs. It’s just that there are times when ego and holding high positions limit the recovery process,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rumah Pengasih deputy president Hafizi Harun said 10% of its patients were professionals and highly educated individuals.
He said most of them came for rehabilitation on their own while others were forced by their families.
“We are able to accommodate 200 clients (addicts) at a time in our seven rehabilitation centres in Peninsular Malaysia and the majority of them work in the private sector.
“Out of that number, 10% are professionals and highly educated. Most of them are private sector workers but there are also civil servants,” he said.
Hafizi said most of these professionals took drugs before going to work or college for studies.
> Islamic contemporary music concert Malam Bulan Bintang will proceed despite clashing dates with world-famous K-pop group Blackpink in March, says its organiser.
Bulan Bintang founder Azzim Zahid Azmi has already been informed about the possible congestion since the concert will take place side by side at the Axiata Arena with Blackpink’s at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Utusan Malaysia reported.
“We are aware of the concert being organised on the same date as the international group. However, all the plans have been made in advance so we will still continue with the concert.
“As a safety measure, we have discussed with several parties, including Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, to extend the operation period of the LRT for the convenience of concertgoers,” he said.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.
