TVET Programme To Boost Career Prospects For PUSPEN Clients  - Ahmad Zahid

DENGKIL, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- The education programme at Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centres (PUSPEN) will be transformed into a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) module to open professional career opportunities for its clients. 

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said new educational modules and approaches are needed to help reintegrate clients as productive members of the community after completing their stay at PUSPEN.

“As Chairman of the National TVET Council (MTVET), I will assist the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) and all PUSPEN centres nationwide.

“… … we will create a new module so that when they complete their training at PUSPEN, they will be guaranteed employment in professional fields and have a better future,” he said during a working visit to PUSPEN Dengkil here today.

Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh.

He stressed that PUSPEN clients must receive ‘high growth, high value’ training so they can enter quality professional jobs aligned with their chosen courses at the centre.

For clients interested in entrepreneurship, Ahmad Zahid said he would discuss with SME Corp Malaysia (SME Corp) and the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry (KUSKOP) to provide relevant courses at PUSPEN.

“Insya Allah, I will also seek allocations to fund these courses,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said the government has spent more than RM60 billion on rehabilitation, prevention and treatment for individuals involved in drug abuse.

“That’s a huge sum — just imagine if it had been used for building schools, hospitals, or sports activities,” he said.

He also urged all parties to support PUSPEN clients in rebuilding ties with their families and communities, and to view the centre as a place of rehabilitation rather than punishment.

“We cannot allow them to drift aimlessly. I deeply appreciate the training provided, whether clients enter PUSPEN voluntarily or mandatorily.

“The MADANI government’s vision is clear. We want to address and care for every citizen so that no one is sidelined, including PUSPEN clients,” he said.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid witnessed the handover of the ‘Transform GYM’ from the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) to the Home Ministry (KDN) for use by clients and staff at PUSPEN Dengkil.

The collaboration symbolises the close cooperation between KBS and KDN in drug rehabilitation efforts, aimed at improving the well-being and health of the PUSPEN Dengkil community.

-- BERNAMA