KUALA LUMPUR: The third reading of the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) 2024 has been postponed for further fine-tuning.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail who concluded the second reading of the bill in Dewan Rakyat today had requested for the bill to be referred to two Parliamentary Special Select Committees (PSCC), which are Health and Security.
"To achieve the best possible outcome for this bill when it is being passed, I propose to postpone the bill, in line with Standing Order 62.
"The ministry will also seek further input from the PSSC of Health and also Security (for further fine-tuning of the bill).
"When it (the bill) is referred to both PSSC, we will also invite all parties, including members of parliament, experts and non-governmental organisations to further refine and scrutinise the bill and we will make a decision then," he said in Dewan Rakyat, today.
At the same time, Saifuddin added that it was only fair that the ministry viewed and considered suggestions provided by lawmakers.
"Upon reflection, I believe that no matter how well ordered it (the bill) is, the ministry must give weightage to the views provided by all parties and the ministry, alongside the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) welcome all the views given."
The request to postpone the bill was then approved by Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Ramli Md Nor.
"The House takes into account what has been stated and will proceed as requested," said Ramli.
The bill, which saw its first reading in Dewan Rakyat last week, sought to improve by differentiating the interpretation between a drug or substance dependant and a drug or substance misuse.
The proposed bill also sought to widen the scope of the treatment and rehabilitation to a drug or substance dependent or a drug or substance misuse.
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.
However, several quarters have called for a halt on the bill, including the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) which requested for proper engagements with stakeholders to be carried out as the bill seemed to have lacked expert guidance and input.
Among other concerns, its president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz, highlighted that rehabilitation officers were not doctors and were therefore not qualified to provide expert recommendations on the management of substance dependents.
She also said a magistrate must obtain a recommendation from a doctor with specialised training before determining the period for treatment and rehabilitation.