KUCHING: The Sarawak government will be introducing more agriculture-based courses and programmes for the inmates of the Narcotics Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) Kuching here.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the courses were important for the inmates as once they completed their rehabilitation they would have a future in the agriculture sector.
“To the inmates, we (the government) are here to help you achieve personal excellence so that you will have a better life and future,” he said during Puspen Christmas Open House, at Puspen, Mile 10 here yesterday.
Uggah who is also Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister, said aside from receiving treatment at the centre, the agriculture-based programme would keep them away from unhealthy activities.
“Once you have completed your rehabilitation here, the government will have another programme for you and that is to help you venture into the agriculture sector,” he pointed out.
He said that since agriculture is a new source of wealth for Sarawak now, it was hoped that the inmates would eventually start their own agriculture-based business one day.
Uggah also urged the people to give their full support to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg in his fight for the rights of Sarawak.
“For the state to achieve a developed and high-income status by 2030, there must be all-round unity.
“In Sarawak, people from different races and religions are able to celebrate all festivals together, and this is the Sarawak way, and for that we must keep this racial unity and harmony protected,” he pointed out.
Puspen board of visitors chairman Tan Sri Abang Khalid Abang Marzuki in his speech said Puspen had already taken several initiatives to train inmates to grow chili and rock melon using fertigation technology at the centre.
“I want to thank the government for its contribution and hope that with more farming activities the inmates will be able to find a meaning in life and not go back to taking drugs,” he said.
“When the inmates are here, we teach them good values.
“We also call on parents to give their support for their children who are here so that they learn to be useful members of
the society.”
Earlier, Uggah donated RM50,000 to the centre so that it could carry out its activities, RM120,000 for fertigation process, RM20,000 for hydroponic, and 100 boxes for the breeding of honey bees.
