Tasty treat: An inmate making muruku at the Kota Baru Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre. — Bernama
KOTA BARU: Despite being isolated from the outside world, inmates of the Kota Baru Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) are eagerly waiting to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their loved ones.
Inmates experience joy during the festive day in the presence of family, relatives, and close friends, treating them to muruku and pineapple tarts that they have prepared with love.
During a recent visit to Kota Baru Puspen by Bernama, inmates were actively engaged in preparing muruku under the guidance of wardens where they learnt intricacies of the process, from mixing the ingredients to storing the delicacies.
One of the inmates, Shidee, 21, (not his real name), who has been at the centre for just six months, was surprised to find that making this treat is relatively easy and does not require much effort.
“It’s very easy to make muruku and pineapple tarts, and the ingredients like rice flour, wheat flour, eggs and margarine are readily available. Plus, it doesn’t take too long to make them.
“I’m very happy to learn new skills with my friends here. We are always willing to help each other, and we can’t wait to share them with our family members when they visit during the festive season,” he told Bernama.
Shah, 17, (not his real name), said the skills he acquired in making muruku and pineapple tarts have inspired him. He plans to establish a muruku business upon his release.
“I voluntarily entered Puspen due to my involvement with substance abuse, so being here has provided me with a lot of new knowledge and experiences for my release later,” said the native of Selangor.
Meanwhile, Kota Baru Puspen director Adzmiral Nawi stated that through the Support for Your Recovery initiative by the National Anti-Drugs Agency, inmates are provided with skills training before being allowed to return to their families and communities.
“We currently have 33 male inmates aged 21 and below who have voluntarily sought rehabilitation here following involvement in drug abuse.
“So, we have organised a range of beneficial programmes for them to ensure they can apply the knowledge upon their release and prevent relapse,” she elaborated. — Bernama
