KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will not legalise cannabis, despite the reclassification of the substance by the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government would maintain its status on cannabis and related drugs as they bring harm to the community.
"Recently, the 63rd Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, Austria, had voted to drop cannabis and cannabis resin from its Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
"I would like to stress that the government would not change its control status on cannabis and all other related drug substances as stipulated in the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 as it clearly brings a lot of harm to the people," he said in his speech in conjunction with the National Anti-Drugs Day.
He said drug abuse is a complex global issue that is difficult to successfully curb following the changes in trends and the existence of new drugs in the global market.
Malaysia had previously set several targets, he added, including the Sifar Dadah (Zero Drugs) and Malaysia Bebas Dadah (Drug-Free Malaysia) 2015.
"The government is targetting for a 'Dadah Terkawal 2025' (Control of Drugs 2025) as a five-year plan, in line with the country's National Drug Policy.
"The inclusive and holistic plan is to mobilise efforts between the public and private sectors, and civil society groups towards a drug-free community," he said.
Among the main objectives of the 2025 target, he added, was to clean up 155 high-risk areas nationwide, expand treatment coverage to increase recovery rate among drug addicts, and community empowerment, apart from mobilising related agencies and non-governmental associations in an integrated manner.
Muhyiddin said the government is also committed to continue eradicating drug problems in the country so it is controlled and can be curbed in a planned manner.
"Therefore, the National Anti-Drug Agency is in the midst of developing an anti-drug index as a method of measuring effectiveness in terms of enforcement."
He called upon the public to play a role by taking part in programmes and social support activities organised by communities or community leaders to create a safe and drug-free neighbourhood.
Muhyiddin also said youth-centric programmes must focus on aspects of personal development and identity.
"Hence, educational and religious institutions are the best and most effective platforms to educate and create awareness on the dangers of drugs.
"I would also like to invite all of you to participate in volunteer activities with the Anti-Drug Squad who act as agents of change in the community.
"I also urge all of us to play a role in ensuring that the delivery of treatment and rehabilitation is fully utilised," he added.
Muhyiddin said for example, if any individual or family member is found to be involved in drug abuse, efforts should be made for them to attend the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Center (Puspen) in Sungai Besi to get the appropriate treatment for free.
The support of family, friends and the community was important, he said, adding that it was part of the success in the person's treatment and rehabilitation.
"I hope that the National Anti-Drugs Day this year with the theme 'Prevention is Better' (Lebih Baik Cegah' brings with it a clear message that drug abuse can be prevented with the cooperation of all.
"Let us all work hand-in-hand and strengthen our resolve and determination in efforts to create a zero-drug society so the society and wellbeing of the people can be enjoyed together."