Man allegedly took meth to obtain straight A's in PMR exam

KUALA LUMPUR - "I took methamphetamine to boost my energy while studying in Form Three but ended up unknowingly becoming a drug addict." That was the confession of a civil servant known as Ammar, who began using methamphetamine at the age of 15.

The 25-year-old man from Melaka said he first experimented with the drug while staying in a boarding school to achieve his goal of scoring straight A's in the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) examination.

Ammar, a father of two now, believed that methamphetamine could help him stay awake longer and study harder.

"At the time, I obtained the methamphetamine supply from a senior schoolmate.

"I took methamphetamine, thinking it would help me stay up longer while studying, but it eventually continued until I started working at a pharmacy," he said.

Ammar said this during an interview with reporters at the 2023 National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Media Retreat Programme in Sungai Besi.

He said that despite being married, he continued to use the prohibited substance, which prompted his wife to advise him to seek rehabilitation.

"At first, it was difficult to accept her suggestion, but eventually, I agreed for my wife, children, and family sake.

"This is a great sacrifice for my family and loved ones," he said.

Ammar, who voluntarily entered a rehabilitation center, did not expect that he would be able to change after spending 10 months at the facility.

"I took various types of drugs before this, and I didn't expect that I could change.

"I thought I just needed to undergo a detoxification programme to get rid of my drug addiction, but it turns out that various beneficial activities are conducted at the National Rehabilitation and Narcotics Recovery Center (Puspen).

"To be honest, being here has helped me change and become a better person, and I can now live a normal life," he said.

Ammar said that living with friends at Puspen was like having siblings, and the staff members were very helpful.

He said that choosing to enter Puspen was the right decision to become a productive individual.