Kuala lumpur: The Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) has proposed that narcotics addiction rehabilitation centres (PUSPEN) be gazetted as special prisons for drug addicts to strengthen rehabilitation and treatment efforts. MCPF Drug-Related Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee chairman Datuk Kamarudin Md Ali stated that this initiative would not only help curb drug addiction but also alleviate overcrowding in prisons, where approximately 70 per cent of inmates are drug offenders.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kamarudin emphasized that hardcore addicts should be placed in rehabilitation centres that focus on treatment and recovery, rather than in correctional facilities. PUSPEN, operating under the National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA), has facilities across the nation with an estimated total capacity of over 25,000. Kamarudin noted that although prisons provide treatment for drug addicts, their primary focus remains on crime prevention rather than addiction recovery.

He expressed these views following an interview at the Bernama Mobile Studio at Felda Bukit Waha, during the FELDA: Desaku Mendunia 'Generasi Sihat Komuniti Hebat' Programme, a joint initiative by NADA and MCPF. In light of this, Kamarudin proposed that PUSPEN be transformed into a special prison for drug addicts, citing its existing facilities and manpower suitable for rehabilitation efforts. This, he suggested, would enable the government to maintain sentencing while carrying out rehabilitation without the necessity to construct new prisons.

Kamarudin further pointed out that despite available spaces at PUSPEN, addicts arrested by the police are often sent to prison. Under Section 39C of the Dangerous Drugs Act, they face punishment with two strokes of the cane due to their hardcore addiction status. He proposed placing them in PUSPEN, which can house up to 25,000 inmates. Beyond serving as a treatment and rehabilitation centre, PUSPEN provides character development and self-skills training to support inmates' reintegration into society, offering programmes that stress discipline, counselling, psychosocial care, and ongoing support to minimize relapse risks.