KUALA LUMPUR: Drug addiction experts are calling on the government to delay passage of amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983.
The amendments, tabled for first reading yesterday in the Dewan Rakyat and slated for second reading today, have sparked significant concerns among these experts.
Upon reviewing the bill for the amendments, they said the approach was punitive and could lead to negative effects.
They said despite claims of decriminalising drug abuse, the proposed amendments maintain penalties for drug users and their families.
They are particularly worried about consolidating powers under a single agency, the National Anti-Drugs Agency (Nada), and reducing collaboration with the Health Ministry.
In a joint statement released today, the 15 experts emphasised the need for healthcare professionals and social workers to be involved in treatment referrals, rather than solely relying on rehabilitation officers.
They advocate for establishing Drug Use Prevention and Treatment (DUPT) Commissions in each district, uniting Nada, the Health Ministry's One Stop Centre for Addiction (OSCA) services, and community leaders to better support individuals using drugs.
Additionally, they highlighted concerns about punitive measures for relapses, cautioning against lengthy sentences, heavy fines, imprisonment, or caning.
They stressed that drug dependence was a complex condition often influenced by various factors, and punitive measures could hinder rather than facilitate recovery.
"There are also serious concerns regarding the proposed penalties for parents of young drug users as seen in the proposed amendments to Section 9 potentially deterring families from seeking necessary support. Such punitive approach risks alienating families in rural areas and perpetuating stigma."
The experts assert that the current amendments do not align with genuine decriminalisation goals and may worsen existing challenges.
They urged the government to comprehensively revise drug policies, including reassessing laws like the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Poisons Act 1952, which criminalise drug use.