Pusat Serenti is the old name for Malaysia's government drug rehabilitation centres. Since 2009 they have been called PUSPEN (Pusat Pemulihan Penagihan Narkotik), and they are run by the National Anti-Drugs Agency, AADK. A person reaches one in two ways: by court order, or voluntarily, by going to AADK. This guide explains both routes, how long a stay lasts, what happens inside, how a family can start, and what private care looks like if you want to compare.
What Pusat Serenti and PUSPEN are
AADK's own history page dates Pusat Serenti to 1983, the same year as the law that governs it, and records the change of name to PUSPEN in 2009. Many families still say Pusat Serenti. It is the same system.
In March 2026 the Home Minister put the number at 30 PUSPEN nationwide, with more than 6,000 clients living in them. Another 50,000 to 60,000 people are in AADK's community programme, living at home and reporting to AADK.
The law is Act 283, first passed in 1983. The amended version took effect on 22 August 2025 under a longer name, Akta Penagih dan Penyalah Guna Dadah dan Bahan (Rawatan dan Pemulihan) 1983, and now covers people who misuse drugs as well as those who are dependent. The Home Minister has said people with drug dependency are now regarded as patients.
Who goes there: by court order or voluntarily
By court order. A person suspected of being drug dependent can be taken for tests. If found dependent, a Magistrate can order treatment in a centre followed by supervision, or supervision in the community alone. Under the Act as published before the latest changes, residential treatment was two years, followed by two years of supervision. A 2026 report on PUSPEN Dengkil still describes a two-year court order. Our article on drug laws in Malaysia explains the legal side in more detail.
Voluntarily. An adult can go to AADK on their own initiative, or with family encouragement. AADK says the person must give informed consent. Since the amendments, they can go to AADK directly for advice and treatment without a medical officer's certificate first and without going through court. A rehabilitation officer assesses them and offers a package. The Home Minister said in March 2026 that voluntary clients have no criminal record after completing two years of rehabilitation.
AADK wants more people to take this route. In 2025 about 1,500 people reported voluntarily to PUSPEN, out of more than 6,000 clients in the centres.
How long it lasts
- Voluntary clients: AADK says packages run from three months to two years, depending on how serious the case is. Its Director-General has also said that someone who recovers quickly can be released within six months.
- Court-ordered clients: the order is two years. A client who shows good progress can be released early, after about 16 to 18 months, according to the centre's director at PUSPEN Dengkil.
What happens inside
The most detailed recent description we found is of PUSPEN Dengkil, which opened in 1983 and holds up to 300 clients, 100 women and 200 men. Other centres will differ in size and detail.
- The day starts at 4.30am with a morning meeting, then religious classes and personal development sessions.
- Clients do practical work such as farming, cleaning and logistics, described as therapy that builds discipline and confidence.
- Clients move through four recovery phases, assessed regularly by recovery officers and religious officers.
- Families are involved and visit regularly. The rules in 2021 required families to book a visit with the recovery officer first, so ask the centre what applies now.
AADK describes its approach as the i-PULIH model, which looks at the biological, psychological, spiritual and social sides of recovery, and says it is supportive rather than punitive. Where a client has symptoms that need medical care, AADK refers them to a medical officer.
How a family can start
A voluntary route needs the person's own agreement. You cannot sign an adult up. What you can do:
Our guide to voluntary drug rehab in Malaysia explains how to ask for help without an arrest or a court order.
- Talk first. Our guide on how to help someone with a drug addiction covers how to raise it calmly and what to offer.
- Go together to AADK. There are 108 AADK district offices. You can also visit a PUSPEN. AADK's halfway house in Kuala Lumpur (Jalan Raja Alang) takes walk-ins from Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and families may come with the person.
- Or call first. AADK's toll-free line is 1-800-22-AADK (2235), and its WhatsApp number is 019-626 2233.
- Expect an assessment. A rehabilitation officer looks at the person's drug use, family support, work and education before recommending community treatment (RPDK) or residential treatment in a centre (RPDI). Most AADK clients are treated in the community.
AADK has also run Klinik Cure & Care 1Malaysia since 2010 as a voluntary, open-access service without legal action. Ask AADK whether a Cure & Care clinic is near you.
What it costs
AADK's voluntary service is described as free and confidential. If the situation involves a court order, ask AADK directly about any costs.
After release
AADK says it keeps monitoring clients after rehabilitation, both those who were in a centre and those treated in the community. Community clients attend AADK offices on a schedule and take periodic urine tests. Under the Act as published before the latest changes, supervision after a court order came with conditions such as reporting at set times and taking tests, and breaking them could lead to penalties. PUSPEN also helps former clients look for work and, where it helps, to move away from places that trigger relapse. In 2026 AADK said private companies were exploring jobs and training for former clients.
Common questions
Is Pusat Serenti the same as PUSPEN?
Yes. PUSPEN is the name AADK has used since 2009 for the centres people still call Pusat Serenti.
Does my son have to be arrested to get into PUSPEN?
No. He can go to AADK voluntarily, and AADK is asking more families to use that route. A court order is a separate legal process led by the authorities, not something a family arranges.
Will he have a criminal record if he goes voluntarily?
The Home Minister said in March 2026 that voluntary clients have no criminal record after completing two years of rehabilitation. Ask the AADK officer to explain how this applies to your family's situation.
How long will he be there?
It depends on the route. Voluntary packages run from three months to two years. A court order is two years, with early release possible after about 16 to 18 months for good progress.
Can we visit?
Families do visit, and AADK says family involvement matters. During COVID-19 visits needed an appointment with the recovery officer. Phone the centre to check the current arrangements.
What if he does not want to go?
Voluntary treatment cannot start without his consent. Keep the conversation going, set clear boundaries and offer a specific option, as described in our family guide.
If you want to compare a private option
Some families prefer a private programme, for example because they want a private room, confidentiality, or a quicker start. Salus is one such option. It is a private programme, not part of AADK or any government service.
Salus is a voluntary 90-day residential programme for adults aged 18 and over in Cyberjaya, Selangor, at RM7,000 per month, all-inclusive. That is about RM21,000 for the full 90 days. The fee covers a private room, all meals, 24-hour care and medical oversight, individual and group therapy, family sessions and a written plan for going home, with aftercare. Each guest has a medical, psychiatric and psychological assessment on arrival. NIDA's research guide says significant improvement is reached at about three months in treatment, which is one reason for the 90-day length.
Choosing private care does not mean the government route was wrong, and families sometimes use both at different stages. Our drug rehabilitation centre page explains what a residential stay involves.
How Salus can help
If you are weighing up options, you are welcome to call or WhatsApp the Salus admissions team on +60 12-839 4686. The conversation is confidential and there is no obligation. We can talk through the government route, ours, or what to say to your family member first. Contact Salus.
This article is general information, not medical advice.
