SIBU: Five people have been ordered by the Magistrates’ Court here to undergo mandatory drug rehabilitation, while another has voluntarily sought treatment, in a move underscoring ongoing efforts to curb substance abuse in the district.
The order, issued on Wednesday, saw three men aged between 21 and 30 sent to an institutional rehabilitation programme at the Pusat Pemulihan Penagihan Narkotik (PUSPEN).
Two were placed under Section 6(1)(a) of the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983, while a third was dealt with under Section 6(2)(a), which also covers substance misuse beyond narcotics.
All three have since been transferred by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) in Sibu to a rehabilitation centre in Kuching to begin treatment.
In a separate ruling, the court ordered a 31-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman to undergo community-based rehabilitation under Section 6(2)(b) of the same Act.
The programme allows participants to remain within the community under supervision while receiving treatment.
Alongside the court, a 28-year-old man has voluntarily enrolled in a community rehabilitation programme under Section 8(3)(a), signalling a growing willingness among some individuals to seek help without legal compulsion.
Members of the public are encouraged to come forward early if they suspect drug misuse, with free screening, counselling and assessment services available at AADK offices nationwide.
Further assistance is available via AADK’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-22-2235 and its dedicated WhatsApp line.
Officials say early intervention and community support remain critical in helping individuals return to stable and productive lives.
