ALOR GAJAH, The theme of this year's National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, 'Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka,' has inspired residents of Tampin's Narcotic Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) to break free from the chains of drug addiction. One resident, who wishes to be known as Khairul, 42, views freeing his body and mind from addiction as a pivotal moment to begin anew, utilising the skills he has acquired during his time at the centre. 'I am counting down the days until I leave this place, and I am determined never to return to the path that brought so much trouble to myself and those around me. What I have gained here is a ticket to liberate myself, both mentally and physically, and build a better life,' he told Bernama. Meanwhile, another resident, Musli, 48, acknowledged that overcoming the negative stigma associated with former drug addicts remains a challenge as he prepares to re-enter society and start afresh. 'It is difficult to shake off the negative perceptions linked to drugs, but I will prove that change is possible. I aim to be free not just in mind, but also from the surrounding influences that could lead me back down the wrong path. This is my challenge: to ensure I am completely independent of drug dependency,' he said. Meanwhile, the head of the centre's Vocational Training Unit, Mohd Nor Azalizanshah Azman, announced that various activities and programmes have been planned by the management to celebrate National Day and Malaysia Day with the residents. He said that a highlight of this year's celebrations will be a National Day parade involving nearly 100 residents and staff. 'Our grounds are quite spacious, so the parade will cover a distance of 2.5 kilometres within Tampin Puspen. We are still finalising the details. This initiative is new this year, as we were unable to hold it last year,' he said. Additionally, the Explore Race is scheduled for Sept 9, and some renowned figures specialising in drug rehabilitation have been invited to give talks on Malaysia Day. Mohd Nor Az alizanshah expressed hope that these planned activities will help the residents gain a deeper understanding of the significance of independence, particularly in the context of this year's National Day and Malaysia Day celebration theme: 'Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka'. Source: BERNAMA News Agency