KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 75,291 individuals have received treatment and rehabilitation with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) in 2023, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said of the total, 65,372 individuals have received community-based rehabilitation and treatment, while another 9,919 individuals received institutional-based rehabilitation and treatment.
"Meanwhile, there are currently a total of 3,472 individuals serving jail time for drug abuse offences under the current Dangerous Drug Act 1952, with another 2,978 individuals being remanded for the same offence.
"At the same time, 2,460 individuals sought treatment voluntarily with AADK," he said when tabling the second reading of the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) 2024 in Dewan Rakyat, today.
The bill was tabled for the first reading in Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Among others, the bill was aimed to amend the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 which was last amended in 1998.
Based on the blue book circulated, the bill sought to improve by differentiating the interpretation between a drug or substance dependant and a drug or substance misuser.
The proposed bill also sought to widen the scope of the treatment and rehabilitation to a drug or substance dependant or a drug or substance misuser.
Meanwhile, Shamsul said the bill will also see the establishment of a new subsection to allow individuals to receive treatment for up to six months.
"The opportunity is provided to help clients break free from addiction by being in a more controlled environment.
Suitable treatment and rehabilitation should be provided to drug or substance abusers as an early preventive measure against addiction if used frequently or over a long period," he said.
At the same time, a new section will also be included to allow the Magistrate, upon recommendations by rehabilitation officers, to undergo treatment and rehabilitation at a place specified in the order for a period not exceeding two years or in the order for a period not exceeding six months.
"The bill encompasses more comprehensive and structured legal aspects to enable appropriate treatment and rehabilitation to be provided more quickly to drug or substance addicts and abusers.
"This bill also includes compassion values to enhance access to drug and substance treatment and rehabilitation and empowers community involvement to work together with the government in ensuring the nation's well-being against drug problems."