PETALING JAYA: Even though the decriminalisation of drug dependency last year managed to keep many addicts out of prison, much more needs to be done to ensure their successful reintegration into wider society, say authorities and activists.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic) said since the amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 (Act 283) were gazetted in October 2024, the government, through the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), has implemented a new mechanism that prioritises treatment and rehabilitation over imprisonment for drug addiction offences – particularly for first-time offenders and those not involved in drug trafficking.
In an interview, he said between January and July this year, a total of 1,594 detainees for various drug-related offences (minus trafficking) have been screened and assessed for further rehabilitation.
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“This amendment recognises that addiction is a recurring disease that requires ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, and should not immediately result in imprisonment or corporal punishment.
“AADK has also strengthened its initiatives to transform drug treatment and rehabilitation in Malaysia by introducing Drug Screening and Assessment Centres (DAC).
“These centres use a single-point-entry approach and empower AADK rehabilitation officers as experts in screening and assessment.
“The purpose of establishing DACs is to speed up the process for detainees to receive treatment and rehabilitation, without waiting for pathology results,” said Saifuddin Nasution.
Currently, the four DACs are in Tampin, Kuala Muda (Kedah), Gambang (Pahang), as well as at AADK’s headquarters in Kajang.
“This provision focuses on a policy shift from imprisonment to treatment and rehabilitation.
“We can see that when an individual commits a drug-related offence, especially under Section 15(1)(a) of the DDA 1952, they will be diverted to treatment and rehabilitation, either through Institutional Rehabilitation Treatment Programme (RPDI) or the Community-Based Rehabilitation Treatment Programme (RPDK).
“This step not only helps individuals avoid further imprisonment but also reduces prison overcrowding and allows individuals to maintain employment throughout their recovery process,” he added.
As of Aug 8, a total of 51,513 drug dependents are undergoing RPDK, while 5,819 others are in RPDI.
“The amendment also provides procedures for the voluntary treatment and rehabilitation of any drug or substance addict or abuser.
“This section empowers rehabilitation officers to make recommendations and subsequently provide suitable drug and substance rehabilitation treatment for any person undergoing treatment voluntarily,” said Saifuddin Nasution.
He said although the Act has not yet been enforced, 924 drug dependents voluntarily came forward from January to August to seek rehabilitation.
He further explained that under the amended Act 283, penalty options such as fines or community service have also been introduced for violations of conditions under the community-based rehabilitation order.
“For such violations, the court may now opt for a fine or community service as alternative penalties in addition to imprisonment or whipping, as provided in the original Act 283,” he said.
Saifuddin Nasution said the amendment has also enabled rehabilitation to be provided at the early stage to “reduce the risk of severity” and ultimately stop drug and substance addiction.
“With regard to drug and substance addicts or abusers, who are now considered patients, this is aimed at reducing the stigma faced by individuals involved in addiction and substance abuse so that they are more willing to come forward to seek treatment,” he said.
On a wider scale, he added the ministry also acknowledges that drug addiction is a chronic disease which is not solely a health issue, but one that must be managed in the context of public safety and order.
