Ex-drug addicts in Brunei get second chance with job offers

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN — Sabli Group of Companies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al-Islah Centre, a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts under the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

Through the MoU, Sabli Group will assist in providing employment opportunities for former addicts in their final rehabilitation phase under the temporary release scheme.

Speaking to the Sunday Bulletin, Legislative Council member cum Sabli Group Chairman YB Haji Abdul Hamid @ Sabli bin Haji Arshad explained the group’s decision to employ former addicts.

“Former drug addicts, who have completed their rehabilitation, deserve to be given the chance to work and earn a living like other human beings,” he said.

He was confident that after undergoing rehabilitation at Al-Islah Centre, including taking up religious or moral civic courses, the former addicts can turn over a new leaf. “They need money and they have families to feed. I believe society should help them in whatever way we can. We should not cast them out, but welcome them back by giving them a second chance and if possible, assist them by introducing them back into the community.”

While Sabli Group is not the only company employing former addicts, it is however one of the firsts to sign an MoU with Al-Islah Centre, as a working partner.

The MoU signing was held at the Al-Islah Centre, NCB at Jalan Kerakas Payau in Kampong Kupang, Tutong yesterday.

Signing on behalf of the Al-Islah Centre was its Assistant Director Zainol Adi bin Haji Ajmain, who is also the centre’s commandant, while Sabli Group of Companies was represented by Sabli Food Industries (B) Sdn Bhd General Manager Jasmadi bin Haji Jamudin.

NCB Security Branch and General Services Assistant Director Haji Mohd Jafari bin Haji Mahadi and YB Haji Abdul Hamid @ Sabli witnessed the signing.

Also in attendance were senior NCB officials and representatives from Sabli Group.

In his speech, Zainol Adi thanked Sabli Group for collaborating with the centre, noting that the MoU was a result of long discussions between the two parties.

“The process of rehabilitation for a drug addict is a difficult one. There are a variety of treatments and guidance provided during the process. However, the current treatment programmes available at the centre are not enough, because the real challenge happens when they are free and return to the real life,” he said.

“This is where the commitment shown by companies such as Sabli Group can play a vital role in strengthening the rehabilitation process for former Al-Islah resident addicts.”

Sabli Group will provide vocational and skilled training for the former Al-Islah residents under the temporary leave scheme. They will be trained in areas that match their capabilities and will be offered employment within the group of companies.

“This programme will not only help them reintegrate back into society, but will also help to build their confidence in leading a drug-free life. It will make them feel valued and cared for, and not isolated and cast out with social stigma,” he said.