The readiness of students to quit smoking in Melaka was assessed through a comprehensive study involving a sample of 210 students. The study aimed to identify the levels of readiness to quit smoking among different races and schooling categories and to explore the implications for educational and public health interventions. Utilizing the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, the analysis revealed no significant differences in readiness to quit smoking among students of different races or schooling categories. These findings suggest a uniform approach to smoking cessation programs across all student demographics. Recommendations include implementing comprehensive smoking cessation programs integrated into school curriculum, training for teachers, fostering supportive school environments, developing public health campaigns, and enacting comprehensive anti-smoking policies. The study emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts from educators, public health officials, policymakers, parents, and the community to create a supportive and conducive environment that encourages students to quit smoking. Future research should explore additional factors influencing smoking cessation and track the long-term effectiveness of interventions. This study provides a foundation for evidence-based strategies to promote smoking cessation among secondary school students in Alor Gajah district, Melaka, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes.

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) has been associated with many positive outcomes, including lowering the prevalence of HIV infections among drug users in Malaysia since its implementation. However, relapse among methadone clients remains a challenging issue for health care providers. Studies investigating relapse at MMT facilities are limited in Malaysia. This present study primarily aimed to determine the prevalence of relapse as well as explore the relationship between self-efficacy and relapse among MMT clients. This cross-sectional study involved 129 MMT clients recruited using the convenient sampling method at a primary health clinic in Kuala Muda, Kedah. The study instruments used were the validated Malay version of the Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and the General Self- Efficacy Scale. The data collected was analyzed with SPSS version 23. The results showed that the prevalence of relapse was 64.3% (n = 83), and the most abused illicit substances by relapse participants were opioids (75.9%), followed by amphetaminetype stimulants (38.6%), cannabis (10.8%), and ketum (7.2%). The independent sample T-test results showed that the self-efficacy level of the non-relapse group was significantly higher than that of the relapse group. The Pearson correlation analysis also demonstrated that there was a strong negative correlation between self-efficacy and relapse among the participants (r =-.736, p =.001). In conclusion, the prevalence of relapse among participants was high, and a higher level of self-efficacy is associated with lower relapse. Psychosocial interventions to enhance self-efficacy levels among MMT clients are recommended in clinical practice and future research.

Drug addiction is a complex and chronic disorder that can cause lasting harm to a person's health and pose a threat to individuals, families, communities, and countries. The government recognizes the effectiveness of Islamic Psycho-Spiritual Therapy. The National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA) has created a treatment and rehabilitation program based on Islamic Psycho-Spiritual Therapy using the Tarikat Qodiriyah Naqsyabandiyah approach and named the program as the Islamic Rehabilitation Approach Program (ISRA). Pondok Inabah is a unique treatment and rehabilitation center that uses Islamic Psycho-Spiritual Therapy. This qualitative study aims to identify the practices, resilience, and challenges faced by the client (Anak Bina) during the Islamic Psycho-Spiritual Therapy treatment and rehabilitation program at Pondok Inabah Malaysia Negeri Sembilan (PIMNS) and during reintegration into the community. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among four clients (Anak Bina) who had successfully overcome drug addiction at PIMNS. The practices performed by clients who practice Islamic Psycho-Spiritual Therapy at PIMNS are Repentance Bath, Qiamullail, Sunnah Prayers and Remembrance, Knowledge events, and Community Service. The acquired resilience is rationality and an optimistic mindset, tranquillity and balanced emotions, wisdom in decision-making, and preventing all maladaptive behavior. The challenge is the power of the group (Jemaah), the influence of a constructive atmosphere, the significance of good friends, and the importance of consistency. This study suggests that further research must be conducted in the future on Islamic Psycho-Spiritual Therapy by focusing on its strengths and weaknesses, the main practices performed as well as the similarities and differences between the practices of each rehabilitation center.

This research investigates the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards drug abuse among students of different genders in Melaka. The study addresses the pressing issue of increasing drug abuse among adolescents, highlighting the need for effective educational interventions tailored to specific demographic groups. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed to a sample of students from various educational institutions in Melaka. The questionnaire assessed participants' knowledge of drug types, awareness of the consequences of drug abuse, and their attitudes towards drug users and prevention efforts. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 to identify significant differences between male and female students. The findings indicate that both genders possess a similar levels of awareness of drug abuse, female students demonstrated higher levels of basic understanding and more knowledgable regarding specific drugs and their effects compare to male students. However, misconceptions about attitude of addiction and its consequences were prevalent among both genders. The study reveals a generally negative attitude towards drug users, suggesting a stigma that may hinder effective communication and support for those affected by substance abuse. This research underscores the importance of developing targeted educational programs that address the identified gaps in knowledge and promote positive attitudes towards drug prevention. By fostering a more informed and empathetic student population, the study aims to contribute to the broader efforts of reducing drug abuse in Melaka and enhancing community health outcomes

This study examines the relationship between motivational readiness for change and work readiness among clients undergoing rehabilitation at the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) in Melaka, Malaysia. A total of 192 participants were included in the research, and their motivational readiness was evaluated using the Stages of Change Scale (SoCS), while their work readiness was measured using the LAM Assessment of Stages of Employment Readiness (LASER). The findings revealed a moderate positive correlation between motivational readiness for change and work readiness (r = .490, p =.001), suggesting that individuals with higher motivation to change their addictive behaviours are also more prepared for employment. The majority of participants were in the contemplation stage for both motivational readiness and work readiness, indicating that they acknowledge the need for change but have not yet fully committed to action. The study also found a significant association between motivational readiness and the duration of rehabilitation, suggesting that longer stays in rehabilitation programs may enhance motivation. These findings have implications for rehabilitation centres and addiction counselling practices, emphasizing the importance of addressing both motivation and work readiness in treatment programs to facilitate successful reintegration into the workforce.