KUCHING: The state will propose a plan to the federal government to establish moral rehabilitation centre (PPA) in Sarawak, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The state currently does not have PPA and there are only four in the Peninsular.
“This establishment will solely focus on those who are heavily involved in drug-related issues, as well as local drug traffickers.
“On top of that, we want druggies who were arrested to be kept here and not be transferred to the Peninsular for rehabilitation,” he said.
He said some of the druggies or drug traffickers from Sarawak who were admitted to PPAs in the Peninsular became worse after the rehabilitation programme.
“When they socialised with drug traffickers in the Peninsular, they become better in their drug distribution as they are more exposed to doing the crime.
“That is why if it is possible, we would prefer them to be kept in Sarawak only,” he said.
Abdul Karim also mentioned that after his meeting with Drugs Prevention Association of Malaysia, he made a suggestion to establish a rehabilitation centre for women who are involved in drug-related issues.
“Currently, due to Sarawak not having such centres for women, we had to send them for rehabilitation in Kelantan.
“If it is possible, Sarawak should have its own rehabilitation centre due to the rising number of drug-related issues here.
“The centres will help maintain more comprehensive enforcement on legal aspects in dealing with this issue,” he said.
