Addiction Treatment Options for B40 and M40 Families in Malaysia

Clinically reviewed by Adjunct Professor Dr Prem Kumar Shanmugam, founder of Solace Asia. Updated October 2026.

Quick answer

Families on lower and middle incomes in Malaysia have four main routes into addiction treatment: free or low-cost government services, outpatient care (usually RM1,000 to RM10,000 a month), private residential rehab (usually RM10,000 to RM60,000 a month), and lower-cost private residential care such as Salus in Cyberjaya, at RM7,000 a month, all-inclusive. The right choice depends on how severe the problem is, whether medical detox is needed, and what the family can manage. A free assessment is the best first step.

Why cost stops families getting help

For many B40 and M40 households, the price of private rehab is the main reason a loved one goes without treatment. Some families wait until a crisis, and some start a programme and stop early because they cannot keep paying. Both make relapse more likely. Knowing the full range of options, and what each one costs, helps families act sooner.

Option 1: Government services

The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) runs Cure & Care centres across Malaysia, including programmes people can join voluntarily. Government hospitals with psychiatry departments, and some health clinics, also treat addiction, including methadone maintenance therapy for opioid dependence. These services are free or low cost. Programmes, waiting times and the amount of one-to-one therapy vary by location, so ask what is offered near you.

Option 2: Outpatient treatment

Outpatient care means regular counselling and group sessions while the person lives at home and keeps working or studying. It usually costs RM1,000 to RM10,000 a month. It suits milder problems, a stable home and someone who does not need medical detox. Solace Asia also runs Solace Online, a virtual recovery programme for people who cannot attend in person.

Option 3: Private residential rehab

Residential rehab means living at the centre with round-the-clock support. At Solace Asia in Kuala Lumpur this includes a medical and psychiatric assessment, medically supervised detox where needed, individual and group therapy, family sessions and an 18-month aftercare programme. It is the most intensive option and suits moderate to severe addiction, people with a mental health condition alongside their addiction, and those who have relapsed after other treatment. See our guide to rehab costs in Malaysia for typical prices.

Option 4: Lower-cost residential care at Salus

For families who need residential care but cannot meet the cost of full private rehab, Solace Wellbeing Group also runs Salus, a residential recovery retreat in Cyberjaya, Selangor. Salus offers residential treatment at a lower cost, in a different residential location, maintaining Solace’s clinical standards for treatment.

• Price: RM7,000 a month, all-inclusive (accommodation, meals, medical oversight, individual and group therapy, family sessions and an aftercare plan)
• Length: a 90-day programme
• Who it is for: adults affected by alcohol, drugs, gambling or gaming, often alongside low mood, anxiety or burnout

How to choose

Questions to ask any centre

• What exactly is included in the price, and what costs extra?
• Who carries out the medical and psychiatric assessment?
• How is detox managed, and is a doctor available?
• How long is the programme, and what happens after discharge?
• How are families involved?
• Can the fees be paid in stages?

Frequently asked questions

Is addiction treatment free in Malaysia?

Government services through AADK and Ministry of Health hospitals and clinics are free or low cost. Private treatment is paid for by the family, though costs vary widely.

Does medical insurance cover rehab?

Many medical insurance policies in Malaysia exclude addiction treatment. Check your policy wording, or ask the insurer directly before admission.

Can we pay in instalments?

Speak to the Solace Asia team about payment options. Salus also says payment plans can be discussed.

Talk to us

To talk through the options for your family, contact the Solace Asia team for a free, confidential consultation, or call 03 3310 0145. If cost is a concern, our sister retreat Salus offers residential treatment at a lower cost, in a different residential location, maintaining Solace’s clinical standards for treatment.