Pusat Serenti @ Batu Kurau

Pusat Serenti @ Batu Kurau

Batu Kurau is a Malay settlement with over a hundred small villages dotting the area. It is located some 23 km from Taiping and it is also home to many inmates at the Pusat Serenti Batu Kurau (Rehabitation Centre for Drug Abuse).

I was rather excited to be invited to attend a parade ceremony by the inmates, a rare opportunity indeed. Region 4 Chairman R Sivalingam,  Zone 8 Chairman Dr. Fong Loon Foon and Presidents from Region 4 accompanied me on this small convoy to the rehabilitation centre. The drive from Taiping was quite invigorating as the surrounding area was a conservation area for migratory birds and mangrove swamps. The tranquil river throughout the drive was a welcome sight. 

My short tour of the centre was really an eye-opener. The inmates (drug addicts) had to follow a strict daily regime where discipline and outdoor activities ruled the day. I was told that the inmates had trained very hard for this “passing out” parade, meaning they have gone through the rigours of the programme.  And they have passed with flying colours.

Watching the parade exercise at the Pusat Serenti in Batu Kurau,
(Seated RH) R4C R.Silvalingam, (Seated 2nd LH) Z8C Dr. Fong Loon Foon 

On a small wooden dais, I took the salute as the inmates proudly marched past me. When everyone in the parade was at attention, I was given the honour to inspect the guard of honour. The inmates were at their splendid best; all in white round-neck tees, blue caps, ironed black pants and polished black shoes. Oh, white gloves too! Well done guys!! 

Coming down from the wooden dais after the general salute. 

Inspecting the Guard of Honour

In my heart, I knew these inmates had gone through a harrowing experience and my fervent wish was that society would accept them back. Everyone deserves a second chance!