Sarawak backs amendments to Drug Dependants Act promoting rehab, treatment

Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 19: The amendment to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 represents a positive approach towards enhancing voluntary help-seeking and expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation for those with drug dependence, addiction and even substance use disorders instead of facing immediate criminal charges.

In welcoming the amendments passed in the Dewan Rakyat, Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah emphasised that Sarawak is ready to adjust and implement the new approaches through integrated governance and collaboration with stakeholders at all levels of society.

The bill aims to improve the act by differentiating the interpretation between a drug or substance dependant and a drug or substance misuser, introducing elements of decriminalisation by shifting the focus from incarceration to treatment and rehabilitation and granting authority to rehabilitation officers to certify clients who voluntarily seek treatment and rehabilitation.

“These individuals should be treated as clients or patients and given the chance to undergo treatment to overcome community stigma voluntarily.

“Recovery is possible. Incarceration or punishment in correctional institution should be a last resort, especially for individuals who have recently abused drugs,” she said in a statement today.

Fatimah pointed out that such progressive steps could also reduce the prosecution burden on the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (JSJN) of the Sarawak police contingent and allow them to focus on eradicating the drug supply chain in Sarawak particularly.

As the Sarawak government recognises drugs as a security issue, she reiterated its commitment to drug reduction in the community and beyond through the One Stop Committee to Address Drugs and Substance Issues.

This includes integrated and robust collaboration between relevant enforcement and non-enforcement agencies, community leaders, various non-governmental organisations, and vulnerable groups in Sarawak by providing resources and coordinated governance.

Following the passing of the bill yesterday (July 18), Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution stated that the amendments would help the Malaysian government better regulate and improve the management and operation of private drug rehabilitation centres (PPDP) in the country.

The key changes include directing individuals involved in drug-related offences, such as possession or substance abuse, towards treatment and recovery programmes managed by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).

While offences under Sections 15(1) and 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 remain crimes, Sections 8, 6, and 6(a) of the same act introduce elements of decriminalisation, allowing individuals with drug addiction to come forward to seek help without immediate legal repercussions voluntarily. — DayakDaily