Changes to drug dependents laws tabled for a second reading

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 3,472 individuals are currently serving time in prison for drug abuse offences under Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (Act 283), says Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah

According to Shamsul, another 2,978 individuals were being remanded for abusing drugs.

“Inmates who completed their sentence or paid their fines under Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act need to be supervised by the National Anti-Drugs Agency for two to three years,” said Shamsul.

Shamsul spoke in Parliament when the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) 2024 was tabled for a second reading.

Meanwhile, Shamsul said that last year, 75,291 individuals received treatment at the anti-drug agency for drug abuse.

Out of the figure, Shamsul said 65,372 individuals received treatment in the anti-drug agency community facility, while another 9,919 individuals received treatment from the anti-drug agency institution.

According to Shamsul, one of the amendments to Act 283 aims to create a new subsection allowing individuals to obtain treatment for up to six months.

“This chance is given to help clients so they can free themselves from addiction by being in a controlled environment,” added Shamsul.

Shamsul also said the new Section 6A under Act 283 was to allow the courts, upon the advice of the rehabilitation officer, to allow drug abusers to go through treatment and rehabilitation.

“This section also gives powers to the Magistrate to order drug abusers to undergo treatment or rehabilitation in the community for a period no longer than two years or at a rehabilitation centre no longer than six months,” added Shamsul.

At the same time, Shamsul said drug addicts who did not abide by any rules while undergoing treatment could be punished.

Shamsul said that for the first offence, individuals would be ordered to undergo a six-month extension in their treatment.

He said individuals would be ordered to undergo treatment at a rehabilitation centre for no longer than one year for the second and subsequent offences.

According to Shamsul, amendments to Section 8 would allow the Rehabilitation Officer to admit and determine the necessary treatment for individuals who seek rehabilitation voluntarily.

He said rehabilitation for those who seek voluntary treatment can be conducted at Rehabilitation Centres, service centres, private rehabilitation centres or even in the community for up to two years.

“With this proposed amendment, a client can begin treatment and rehabilitation immediately with a shorter evaluation period,” he said.

He added that the treatment of Individuals who do not comply with treatment and rehabilitation conditions can be stopped.

According to the Bill, the proposed Section 27C would allow the formation of the Rehabilitation Officers Council, which would oversee the treatment and rehabilitation profession.

The council would comprise drug treatment and rehabilitation experts from the private and government sectors.

This council would also decide on registered health practitioners’ qualification conditions and criteria for rehabilitation and treatment work.

Amendments to Act 283 were tabled for first reading in Parliament on Wednesday (July 3) by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.