KOTA BARU: Despite being isolated from the outside world, clients of the Kota Baru Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) eagerly await celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their loved ones.
The presence of family, relatives, and close friends on this festive day undoubtedly brings significant joy, as they eagerly await to share and enjoy special treats such as muruku and pineapple tarts, that they have lovingly prepared.
During a recent visit to Kota Baru Puspen by Bernama, clients were actively engaged in preparing muruku under the guidance of wardens, learning the intricacies of the process from mixing the ingredients to properly storing the delicacies.
One of the clients, Shidee, 21, (not his real name), who has been at the centre for just six months, was surprised to find that making these treats 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 who always help each other, and I can't wait to share this food with our families when they visit during the festive season," he told Bernama.
As for Shah, 17, (not his real name), he expressed that the skills acquired in making muruku and pineapple tarts will be fully utilised, with aspirations to establish a muruku-selling business upon his release.
"I voluntarily entered Puspen due to 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, said that through the Support for Your Recovery (SUKA) initiative by the National Anti-Drug Agency, clients are provided with skills training before returning to their families and communities.
"We currently have 33 male clients 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 effectively apply the knowledge upon their release and prevent relapse," he elaborated.
– BERNAMA
