Act amendment opens chance for addicts to get better, says Fatimah

KUCHING (July 20): The amendment to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 provides an opportunity for drug addicts to receive treatment and rehabilitation, according to Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

The Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak said the amendment, which was passed in the Dewan Rakyat on July 18, shifted the approach on the addicts, from punishment to treatment and rehabilitation.

“This amendment is a great approach to encourage help-seeking and expand access to treatment and rehabilitation for drug addicts, particularly on a voluntary basis.

“They need to be treated as clients or patients who require treatment and should be given the opportunity to undergo rehabilitation voluntarily to eliminate societal stigma; this way, recovery is possible.

“Incarcerations in correctional institutions should serve as a last resort, especially for individuals who are new to drug abuse,” she said in a statement.

Fatimah also said through the rehabilitation-in-community approach, the prosecution burden borne by the Sarawak Police Contingent’s Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) could be reduced; hence, enabling them to focus on bringing down drug supply operations.

The minister added that the burden and cost borne by the correctional facilities could also be reduced.

“These individuals can still be together with their family members, working and contributing to the economy and integrate themselves in the community.

“Everyone who is on the recovery journey deserves unwavering support and encouragement from all walks of life,” she pointed out.