LIGHTING UP THE DARK WORLD OF ADDICTS

KUANTAN: They mostly hang out in the dark alleys and quiet streets
during the night.

But when daylight comes, some of these drug addicts head to a
"drop-in" centre in the heart of town for a proper morning shower and meal.

The centre is run by Drug Intervention Community, or DIC, a
non-governmental organisation that has taken a soft approach in
getting drug addicts to kick their habit.

Every day, except weekends, a group of nearly 20 addicts would
voluntarily gather at the centre.

There, they undergo counselling and rehabilitative sessions,
conducted by doctors, policemen, religious teachers and DIC staff.

Recently, the group was visited by Teruntum state assemblyman Chang
Hong Seong, who wanted to see the programmes at the centre and meet
the addicts and staff.

Chang spent some time visiting the living room, kitchen and inspected
the facilities provided at the centre,

During a dialogue later, he said he hoped that the DIC's good
intentions would bear positive results.

"Thumbs up to the DIC for providing accommodation and three meals a
day for them.

"But I wonder where they go during the night and weekends," he said.

His remark drew laughter from the crowd until one of the addicts
stood and replied: "We usually loiter around at night, knowing the
next day we can have a decent shower and food to overcome hunger.

"DIC even provides us with toothbrush and shampoo," he said with a smile.

Centre coordinator Khalid Hashim told Chang that he would ensure his
charges did not cause mischief to nearby traders and members of the public.

"They are also human beings who I believe are in the process of
seeking change to their life after going through years of darkness,"
Khalid said.

One of the addicts, known as Raman, said he hoped the DIC could open
the centre during the night to reduce the number of addicts roaming
in the streets.