23-05-2025
Sarawak requests two new narcotics rehab centres amid rising drug cases
Razi says currently operates only one Puspen facility located in Puncak Borneo which has a limited capacity of 350 clients – 250 under court orders and 100 voluntary participants. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (May 23): The Sarawak Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) has submitted a formal request to the federal Home Affairs Ministry (KDN) for the establishment of two new Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centres (Puspen) in the state.
KPWK deputy minister Datuk Razi Sitam said the application was filed on March 11 this year in response to a growing need for expanded rehabilitation capacity across Sarawak.
'The number of arrests for drug-related offences remains high, with 33,115 recorded between 2022 to 2024,' said Razi during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today in response to a question from Royston Valentine (GPS – Tellian).
Sarawak, he added, currently operates only one Puspen facility located in Puncak Borneo which has a limited capacity of 350 clients – 250 under court orders and 100 voluntary participants.
'This is insufficient to meet the increasing demand for institutional treatment and rehabilitation,' he pointed out.
In addition, he said the proposed Puspen centres could significantly enhance Sarawak's capacity to address drug addiction and support long-term recovery outcomes.
To complement institutional efforts, he said the Sarawak government has also established Community Development and Intervention Centres (CDIC), which function as referral centres for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals and families affected by substance abuse.
These centres support community-based rehabilitation initiatives coordinated by agencies such as the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), the Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS), and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs). drug rehab centres DUN puspen razi sitam
