Drug rehab law amendment to be tabled in next few days - minister

The government will table a motion to amend the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act at the Dewan Rakyat in the next few days, said Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Speaking at a symposium on drug abuse in Kuala Lumpur today, he said the amendment is hoped to be a “game changer” in Malaysia’s efforts to combat drug abuse.

Among other things, it seeks to cut the red tape that abusers needed to go through to get treatment from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).

“With this amendment, a drug abuser who wants to get treated can just go to AADK for help.

“AADK rehabilitation officers will then do some tests, after which they can suggest (and start) a suitable treatment programme for the client.

“Before this, drug abusers would have to get tested and confirmed by a medical doctor before they can receive treatment,” Saifuddin said.

The symposium was held in conjunction with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Cut short months-long wait

According to an AADK spokesperson, the amendment entails a big change in the agency’s ability to treat substance abusers who want to be rehabilitated.

Currently, when one approaches AADK and declares an addiction, the law requires the person to undergo a lengthy process that includes confirmation by a government pathologist.

This process, the spokesperson said, can take up to several months before AADK can start treatment for the client.

Speaking to reporters later, Saifuddin said the ministry and AADK held a briefing session for MPs at the Parliament earlier today.

They hoped the amendment bill would be debated and passed by parliamentarians during the current Dewan Rakyat sitting, which will go on until July 18.

“With this new approach, we are hoping that it can attract those who have self-awareness (to get treatment for drug dependency),” the minister added.

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