PETALING JAYA: Rehabilitation is a better form of “punishment” for drug dependents compared to jail time, because health officers are the ones who make the call, say drug rehabilitation groups.
They expressed concern over the powers given to National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) officers under proposed amendments to the Drug Dependants Act to certify an individual’s drug dependence status.
Social activist Dr James Nayagam said imprisonment caused permanent psychological damage, while rehabilitation for drug dependence would restore and help the individual reintegrate into society.
“Rehabilitation and treatment are healthier approaches,” he said.
He added that rehabilitation for drug addicts could potentially serve as a solution to overcrowded prisons, as it lowers recidivism compared to those in jail.
The former Suhakam commissioner refuted the idea that passing the amendments would make drug misuse a “lesser offence,” stating that the problem persisted even with the current penalties.
“Detention is still there if the amendments are passed. The difference is that they are detained at rehabilitation centres instead of prisons,” he pointed out.
Nayagam, a consultant with the Suriana Welfare Society, said there should also be a panel comprising the Social Welfare Department, police and AADK to decide where the drug dependent would be sent for rehabilitation.
Malaysia Society for Harm Reduction chairman Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said properly implementing the proposed amendments would lead to safer outcomes in treating drug misuse.
“The current incarceration system does not seem to show much success and costs a large sum of taxpayer money,” she said.
She said criminalising drug users might not solve instances of misuse, too.
“While users may need rehab, it’s important to deliver the appropriate individuals, including trained healthcare workers, in a timely manner and tailored to prevent relapse and complications,” said the public health medicine specialist at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Rumah Pengasih president Hafizi Harun said the risk of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment could worsen the situation for those affected.
“They might not get the proper care. Proper diagnosis and treatment by trained professionals are crucial for effective rehabilitation and recovery,” he said.
He said matters related to substance use should be handled by the Health Ministry, while the Home Ministry should focus on drug supply reduction by targeting dealers and importers.
Malaysian Substance Abuse Council secretary-general Raja Azizan Suhaimi said recommendations on whether an individual is drug dependent or not should be made by certified healthcare professionals.
“(However), a retrained AADK officer may be able to carry out psycho-social assessments, (but they must be structured, guided, monitored, and regularly updated by health professionals or the Health Ministry.
“The proposed amendments also do not recommend the setting up of an independent committee to deal with drug users. Instead, it appears that all assessments and treatment will be undertaken by AADK officers,” he said.
