Applying MySQLi options to database?

In PHP, exists a function `mysqli_options`, that forces options on the driver.
I would like to apply the option MYSQLI_OPT_INT_AND_FLOAT_NATIVE, so I will get from the database numbers instead of strings.

I tried to do it like this:

PHP Code:

mysqli_options($this->db, MYSQLI_OPT_INT_AND_FLOAT_NATIVE, true); 


Unfortunately, it says 

Code:

mysqli_options() expects parameter 1 to be mysqli, object given

How can I apply MySQLi options to a database object?

*Also, where should I do it? Currently executing in MY_Model