Green thumb: Ali tending to crops at his farm in Mukim Kubang Sepat, Pasir Mas. — Bernama
PASIR MAS: Choosing to mix with the wrong group of friends 20 years ago caused nothing but misery to Ali (not his real name).
Under the influence of these so-called friends, the young construction worker got hooked on drugs, then everything changed in the blink of an eye.
He was only 24 when he was first introduced to pil kuda or Yaba, a type of methamphetamine.
“I took the drug after my friends persuaded me to try it.
“I spent my own money to purchase the pill which was sold at RM10 each.
“Imagine how much money was wasted on this substance that never benefited me.
“Instead, it ruined my life and brought shame to my family,” he told Bernama yesterday.
Ali, who is also visually impaired, said he was arrested by the police in 2020 under Section 38B of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which required him to undergo the Institutional Treatment and Rehabilitation Programme for between two and three years.
While undergoing the treatment, he became remorseful and wanted to change, which then prompted him to do some self-discovery.
Ali, who hails from Mukim Kubang Sepat here, said after his release from the Kota Baru Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre, he started taking care of the crops planted by his mother on a 1.21ha plot of land near the Kelantan River.
He then also planted some fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, corn, cucumber and eggplant.
“Alhamdulillah, the response has been very good and I am able to collect a net income of about RM7,000 per season (two to three months),” he said, adding that he now has two workers.
He also said through hard work, his effort did not go unnoticed and the National Anti-Drug Agency and the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority decided to help him.
“I feel extremely proud and thankful to the government for not sidelining ex-addicts like me; in fact, they even offered assistance and help.
“I hope all former addicts will make that change for a brighter future, look for the opportunities that the government is giving us and never feel that we are not accepted by the society.
“Believe me, there is nothing good about using drugs,” he added.
