PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry is in the final phase of standardising several provisions involving amendments to the Drug and Substance Abuse (Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act before it is presented to Parliament.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the process required further discussions between the Home Ministry and Health Ministry.
"This will take place at the Cabinet Committee on Eradicating Drug Abuse, to be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, on June 11.
"We are optimistic that this matter will conclude with us successfully presenting it to Parliament. We believe that once these amendments are approved, they will significantly impact the National Anti-Drug Agency in fulfilling its responsibilities," he said after attending the Home Ministry' monthly assembly today.
Elaborating further, Saifuddin said the primary concept in amending the act involved decriminalising drug abuse, particularly offences related to the ingestion of prohibited substances.
"Under current practice, without this amendment, additional duties fall on the police. They must open investigation papers (IPs), which will lead to prosecution in court, then imprisonment. This results in overcrowded prisons, increased court cases, and a heavier workload for the police to open IPs.
"By introducing an element of decriminalisation, the act allows for a method where individuals involved can be directly given the opportunity to undergo treatment, especially in cases where they voluntarily come to rehabilitation centres," he said.
At the same event, Saifuddin also launched the "Tak Payah Tak Nak" campaign organised by National Anti-Drug Agency, aimed at showing solidarity in preventing drug addiction and abuse.
The campaign also seeks to invigorate the commemoration of Anti-Drug Day, celebrated from February to June each year.
Additionally, the campaign aims to remind all target groups to reject drugs through its slogans and actions.
