Starting Point
The Narcotics Control Bureau is the primary agency responsible for enforcing drug-related laws, implementing drug treatment and rehabilitation programs for drug abusers and drug preventive education for society in Brunei Darussalam. The Narcotics Control Bureau also plays an important role in ensuring the proper usage of narcotics and hindering their abuse.
Nurul Hazwani currently works at Pusat Al-Islah of the Narcotics Control Bureau, Brunei Darussalam's only institution focused on helping individuals in their drug recovery journey. Her primary role in this division involves supporting residents, both men and women, through programmes aimed at sustaining their recovery, improving their self-esteem, and guiding them toward becoming better versions of themselves. Her work extends beyond just drug recovery, as addiction impacts not only the individual but also their families, particularly women and children.
Peace Journey
One of Pusat Al-Islah’s main initiatives is psychoeducation, where they provide education and awareness about drugs and their effects while addressing broader personal development issues. For instance, many women in recovery struggle with deeply eroded self-esteem and confidence, often due to experiences with drug addiction or its indirect impact, such as having a spouse or family member who is addicted. In counselling sessions, she has worked with women whose marriages were strained or even broken due to drug abuse. Her work empowers these women, helping them recognise their self-worth and regain confidence.
Collaboration is another key aspect of the initiatives. They work closely with government agencies such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Department of Community Development, as well as NGOs like BASMIDA and AFSA. These partnerships allow us to address various aspects of recovery, from mental health to religious guidance to financial assistance. For example, in cases where a resident requires financial aid, they liaise with relevant agencies to provide support. Additionally, their programs incorporate spiritual guidance to help individuals find strength and direction, a vital aspect of recovery in Brunei Darussalam's cultural and religious context.
For youth, while her division focuses more on adult residents, there are collaborative efforts to raise awareness about drug issues through exhibitions and educational programs. These initiatives aim to prevent drug use and educate young people about its consequences. Although her primary work focuses on women and adult residents, these programs indirectly contribute to youth empowerment by addressing the broader societal challenges of drug abuse.
Success Stories
According to her, women bring unique perspectives and approaches that are essential in addressing the well-being of women and youth. As a counsellor, she has observed that women often have a stronger emotional connection and empathy, which helps build client trust. For example, many female residents in their program prefer to confide in female officers because they feel understood and supported on an emotional level.
In her experience, women are particularly effective in addressing self-esteem and emotional well-being issues. For instance, she worked with a female resident who struggled with self-worth due to her husband’s drug addiction. By providing a supportive and understanding environment, her division was able to help her regain confidence and take steps toward improving her life.
She stated that women also play a crucial role in shaping youth. As mothers, educators, and role models, women significantly influence the younger generation. Their ability to nurture and guide makes them uniquely suited to address the emotional and developmental needs of youth. In her work, she has seen how a mother’s involvement in her child’s recovery can make a profound difference, reinforcing the importance of family and community support.
Involving women in roles such as counselling, education, and community outreach can create more inclusive and effective programs that address the specific needs of women and youth. Women’s ability to empathise, listen, and connect on a personal level allows them to address issues more sensitively and comprehensively, leading to faster and more sustainable solutions.”