Twentytwo13

We can do more to help addicts, says Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh

A lawmaker says there are not enough conversations about rehabilitating drug addicts, and that many people do not know where to get help.

Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh (main image, standing right) also said the lack of caregiver support groups hinders the process of helping drug addicts.

“Every year, we spend a huge sum (fighting the drug menace). We are doing the same thing, over and over, but do not see the results,” said Yeoh.

“The government should channel a big chunk of money towards rehabilitation.

“There are not enough discussions about rehabilitation. Many people do not even know where to get help.

“This is true for the addict, and also, the caregiver. We need a support system to help the addicts fight the drug habit.”

Yeoh said this after launching a book, ‘The Daily Devotions For The Recovering Addict’ by addict therapist Chris Sekar (main image, seated right) in Kuala Lumpur, over the weekend.

She said the thought of rehabilitation is scary for many.

“There are those who think they would be placed in a home far away from family, so they do everything they can to avoid being caught,” Yeoh said.

“They feel that that is the end. But being sent to rehab is better than going to prison. In rehabilitation centres, these addicts can get help.”

She added that the government should destigmatise drug use to help addicts on the road to recovery.

That was something Sekar had also told this news website last month.

Yeoh said a bi-partisan group in Parliament was talking about this issue, and how to prevent overcrowding in prisons, especially with Covid-19 still around.

Another group of politicians is looking at legalising marijuana use for medical purposes.

“Former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Liew Vui Keong, once said it took 15 seconds and costs RM1,975 to end the life of an inmate on death row.

“In 2018, it was estimated that it cost the government RM38 to RM41 a day to house an inmate, or RM2.4 million a day for the total prison population.”

Yeoh also said the government should reach out and talk to experts like Sekar to help with the rehabilitation process.

Sekar, based at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur for the past 20 years, was a heroin addict before turning over a new leaf when he was 27. That was 41 years ago.

Yeoh said Sekar is making himself available to those who need help, via the book.

“Not everyone can get to the private hospital (where Sekar is),” said Yeoh.

“The government should work with experts who have survived addiction and are trying to help addicts overcome their dependency on drugs.

Sekar said he took seven years to complete the book. He plans to start working on translating it into Tamil and Mandarin next month.

“I am overwhelmed by the reception (at the launch). YB (Hannah) said I should translate the book into Tamil and Mandarin,” said Sekar.

“That was part of the plan, but I understand why she feels it should be a priority, as it could reach more people.

“I will take a short break before working with translators. I only worry about losing the ‘language’ of addicts, the nuances, when it is translated into other languages.”

Sekar said his publisher is working on getting the book into bookstores, but those who want a copy can email him at chrissekar@hotmail.com.