PETALING JAYA, Sept 30 — Recovering from drug addiction should not be viewed as the end of rehabilitation, but as the beginning of a young person’s journey to rebuild their life, said the Selangor Youth Community (SAY) TEAM Programme Aftercare Facility’s programme manager Ainin Azman.
Young people who complete rehabilitation still face challenges when returning to everyday life, including rebuilding relationships, restoring confidence, finding employment, and learning to live independently.
“Rehabilitation is actually a lifelong journey. The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) believes that recovery is a lifelong process,” she said during her speech at the SAY TEAM Award Day 2026 today.
The event was held to celebrate those who participated in the TEAM Programme, an intensive nine-week personal and professional development initiative designed to empower at-risk Malaysian youths and help them reintegrate into society.
The programme was held in partnership with The King’s Trust International (KTI).
Ainin added that the transition back into society can be particularly challenging as young people may have changed through rehabilitation, while their surrounding environment may not have changed with them.
“TEAM Programme is where we want the transformation to begin. However, it cannot be (seen as) the entire journey because we only spent nine weeks with them,” she said.
The programme helps participants rebuild trust in themselves and others, develop social responsibility, and find a place to belong through education, employment, and community support.
Ainin noted that to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and returning to society, SAY launched its Aftercare Facility at Rumah Sabat Pulau Langkawi on August 29, its first pilot aftercare facility.
The facility will support 28 young people who have undergone rehabilitation treatment, with guaranteed employment and support for an additional six months.
“It is not simply about putting a roof over somebody’s head; it is also making them feel safe to become better. It is to teach them a skill, to give them a job, and last but not least, someone who is willing to say that, I actually believe in you.
“Recovery is the beginning. It is an opportunity that makes it sustainable," she said.
Meanwhile, Ainin said that SAY plans to expand the TEAM Programme next year with 14 sessions to reach more recovery persons in institutions.
