FORMER Exist vocalist Mamat has revealed that he started using drugs when he was just 16 years old.
The 47-year-old made the confession on Dol’s Podcast, hosted by comedians Mamat Sepahtu, Shuib Sepahtu, and Fizi.
“I admit that I started using drugs when I was around 16 or 17 years old. For those who have been using drugs for a long time, if you have the desire to stop and can afford it, try to go through rehab.”
Mamat, whose real name is Mohd Ali Kamaruddin, is currently under the care of Rumah Pengasih in Bentong, Pahang. He advised those who wanted to change their lives to find ways to escape the grip of drug addiction.
“There are many places to seek help. Besides Pengasih, there are plenty of other rehabilitation centres. If you really want to change, this is the right thing to do,” Mamat said.
In the podcast, Mamat also revealed that he was in a terrible state during his court proceedings last year.
“After the court process, I was really in bad shape. When I arrived at Pengasih, they did a urine test and placed me in a detox room.
“At that time, I felt like staying in the detox room for the entire six-month programme. If possible, I didn’t want to join the other scheduled activities for trainees.
“After almost two weeks in the detox room, they held an interview session to check on my condition. Thankfully, throughout the detox process, I didn’t experience anything unusual like fever or other withdrawal symptoms,” said Mamat, who has now been appointed as a coordinator at the rehabilitation centre, which houses around 40 trainees.
However, Mamat said he slowly opened up to socialising after seeing other trainees joining each other during prayers.
He also shared that he was deeply moved by how well he was treated by senior members at the centre.
“When I joined them, they treated me with kindness and respect. They made me feel like part of a family.
“I have now been under Pengasih’s care for almost six months. I enjoy being there because the daily schedule is very well-structured, we have activities starting even before dawn.
“The food there is also delicious, much better than what you get in a police lock-up. I don’t have the energy to deal with that (lock-up) anymore,” he said with a laugh.
