KUALA LUMPUR: The controversial Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Bill 2024 has been referred to two Parliamentary Special Select Committees (PSSC) for further engagement on the matter, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.
The Home Minister told the Dewan Rakyat that while the ministry, police, and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) welcomed all views from MPs, he wanted to ensure the best implementation of the Bill.
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"For the purpose of producing the best possible Bill, one that when passed, will also be implemented with the best results, I wish to propose that based on our Parliamentary Standing Order 62, I intend to postpone the next reading of this Bill and the ministry will seek further views from the PSSC on Health and the PSSC on Security," he said while wrapping up his debates on the Bill in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (July 9).
Saifuddin added that the two PSSCs will invite all relevant stakeholders, including MPs, law experts, and non-governmental organisations to further fine-tune the bill before it is brought back to the Dewan Rakyat.
The drug rehabilitation law amendments recently received strong criticism from medical groups and even some government backbenchers.
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Amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act, tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on July 2, sought to differentiate the interpretation of a drug- or substance-dependent person and a substance misuser.
The amendments aimed to widen the scope of treatment and rehabilitation for addicts.
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Section 6(a) will empower a Magistrate to allow a drug or substance misuser to undergo treatment and rehabilitation on the recommendation of a rehabilitation officer, with the individual allowed to make representations.
Drug- or substance-dependent individuals will also be eligible for this programme, and they can apply to undergo voluntary treatment.
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Based on test results, a rehabilitation officer will decide whether the individual will undergo treatment and rehabilitation at a rehabilitation centre, service centre, or a private rehabilitation centre for a period not exceeding two years, or within the community under the supervision of an officer.
Guardians or those who have reason to believe that a minor is drug- or substance-dependant or a misuser can also apply for the minor to receive treatment and rehabilitation under the proposed amendments to Section 9. The minor must appear before a rehabilitation officer.
Additional bullet point: Advocacy groups back rehab approach in drug policy updates
