Ketum leaf soon to be classified a dangerous drug

Two packets of daun ketum from Sumatera. - November 25, 2014.Putrajaya tabled an amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 in the Dewan Rakyat today which included classifying ketum leaves (daun ketum) as a dangerous drug, Bernama reported.

The proposed amendment will not only have an impact on the entire ketum industry, including its import, export, possession and cultivation, but also allows for the power to regulate the production of ketum leaves.

According to Bernama, the abuse of ketum leaves, which goes by the scientific name Mitragyna speciosa, was previously placed under the Poisons Act 1952.

The amendment to the Bill was tabled for first reading by Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya.

The proposed amendment is also a long overdue follow up to a request made in 2012 by drug rehabilitation organisation Pengasih Malaysia for the attorney-general to penalise the abuse of ketum leaves under the Dangerous Drugs Act instead of the Poisons Act.

- TMI