Sabitha Marican

The role of share waqf in the socio-economic development of the Muslim community: The Malaysian experience

Purpose - – This study aimed to analyse the role of the Waqf Fund Scheme, by taking Penang (or Pulau Pinang) as one of the states in Malaysia as a sample of the study. Waqf Fund Scheme was established by the Islamic Religious Council of Penang, Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Pulau Pinang (MAINPP), in an effort to develop the economy of the Muslim community in the state. Design/methodology/approach - – This study analysed the contribution that this endowment fund makes towards a comprehensive scheme of economic development, namely, in terms of the economic, spiritual and social welfare of the Muslim community in Penang. The primary source of data was obtained through interviews conducted by the researcher with the Manager of the Waqf Fund Scheme, the Head of Administration and Finance Section and the Account Executive of MAINPP. The researcher also interviewed respondents from four institutions that were beneficiaries of the Waqf Fund Scheme. Findings - – The findings of this research show that the endowment fund scheme plays an important role in the economic development of the Muslim community in Penang. The Waqf Fund Scheme contributes by way of providing a financing facility towards the acquisition of waqf assets or through cash support channelled to associations or committees of a masjid. Research limitations/implications - – This study only focuses on Waqf Fund Scheme which was established by MAINPP. Practical implications - – This study is expected to contribute to the improvement of the Waqf Fund Scheme management. Originality/value - – The paper is the first attempt to address the Waqf Fund Scheme contributions by MAINPP, particularly in Penang.

Outcome of Cure and Care Community Center (CCSC): A Community Based Treatment (CBTx) Program in Malaysia

In an effort to depart from the Compulsory Center for Drug Users (CCDU), Malaysia has initiated the Cure and Care Service Center program (CCSC) to provide a community based treatment program (CBTx) engaging a multitude of services related to drug and substance abuse, rehabilitation to drug users, dependents and recovering persons. The objective of this study is to identify the outcome of the CCSC service. The population of this study is the clients of CCSC during the span of its operation (2011-2012). A total of 10 CCSCs were randomly chosen with reference to its location in the 4 zones (North, South, East & Central) of Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 232 clients responded to the outcome study. The study found that the outcome of drug rehabilitation program at CCSC is generally positive. The main outcome is that clients’ involvement in criminal activities has reduced significantly after they have completed their program at CCSC. The consumption of ketum leaves extracts, alcohol, drugs, and even drug injecting behavior have also reduced significantly. Almost 20% of the clients gained employment after their discharge from the program. Also, about a third of the clients have changed their lifestyle; they took care of their health, engaged in physical activities and exercises; played sports; took their medicine and maintained their leisure time. Some are involved in religious activities, and almost half of the clients have been seen to have made that change. Around 20% has started to renew relationships with their parents, siblings, and other family members. A smaller number got involved in intimate relationships and marriage. Many clients managed to obtain more permanent jobs, engaged in recreational, sports activities, and enhanced relationship with family. Overall the outcome of the CCSC program was found to be successful.

Validation of addiction severity index (5th edition) bahasa melayu version (ASI-5-BM)

Addiction Severity Index (ASI) is a WHO and UNODC recognized clinical and research based measurement tool, which has been widely used for the purposes of assessing and evaluating problems experienced by people who use drugs (PWUD). The assessment and evaluation conducted by the ASI identifies the severity of substance use and its harm to the individual [1]. The ASI-5 that was developed in 1992 is a modified version of the instrument [2]. Currently the ASI has developed a sixth version that is utilized for clinical and research purposes [3]. ASI-5 assesses seven domains or aspects of life that can be affected as a result of substance use, namely medical status, employment status, alcohol use, drug use, legal status, family/social relationships, and psychiatric status [1,4], but only 6 domains when the use of drugs and alcohol are combined. The assessment to evaluate the severity and seriousness of substance use is done over 2 separate time periods, in the previous 30 days and lifelong. For research purposes, the composite score for each domain is also utilized in the summarized scores of individual ASI domains. Since its development, the ASI [1] has been widely utilized to assess the disruption and deterioration caused by substance abuse in individuals [1]. The ASI has been translated and validated in China [5], Japan [6], Turkey [7], France [8], Netherlands [9] and other countries, justifying ASI as an efficient assessment tool. The translated instrument is used to formulate treatment and rehabilitation plans [10] at a variety of settings, such as addiction clinics, rehabilitation centers, mental health clinics and prisons, in a variety of population (people who use substances and alcohol) who volunteer for treatment and rehabilitation and substance abusers with dual diagnosis.