Bill paves way for better rehabilitation, voluntary treatments for drug dependants: Fatimah

KUCHING: The Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Amendment Bill 2024, passed by the Dewan Rakyat yesterday (July 18), is seen as a positive step towards increasing help-seeking behaviour and expanding access to voluntary treatment and rehabilitation, particularly for individuals struggling with drug abuse.

Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said individuals struggling with drug abuse, dependence, addiction, or substance use disorders should be treated as clients or patients needing care and given the opportunity to undergo rehabilitation voluntarily to eliminate societal stigma.

“The bill shifts the focus from punishment to treatment and rehabilitation, expanding access to voluntary treatment and involving private drug rehabilitation centers.

“Recovery is possible. Incarceration or punishment in correctional institutions should be a last resort, especially for first-time drug abusers,” she said in a statement today.

Fatimah explained that through community-based rehabilitation approaches, the burden on the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) in Sarawak could be reduced, allowing them to focus more on drug supply reduction operations.

Additionally, the burden and costs on prisons can be decreased.

The bill elevates the role of rehabilitation officers from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) by granting them the authority to recommend voluntary treatment and rehabilitation for drug addicts, in addition to medical officers.

Previously, only medical officers could make such recommendations.

Fatimah added that individuals involved in drug abuse could stay with their families, work, contribute to the economy, and integrate into the community.

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

Fatimah also highlighted Sarawak’s readiness to implement the new approaches through its integrated governance, the One Stop Committee (OSC) to Address Drugs and Substance Issues, in collaboration with relevant members from both enforcement and non-enforcement agencies, including AADK, at the state, divisional, and district levels.

With the amendment, she said, OSC members will collaborate with community-based recovery organisations, such as Kenosis in Miri and Victory Home in Sibu, to advance integrated treatment and recovery in Sarawak.

“They can also fully utilise the Community Development and Intervention Centre (CDIC) facilities set up by the OSC. Currently, there are CDICs in Bau, Oya, and Bekenu,” she added.