Let us give our input on new drug law, NGOs tell govt

 

An NGO said the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts should be regarded as a health issue rather than a criminal offence. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Two NGOs treating drug addicts have urged the government to consult them on a proposed law aimed at prioritising treatment over punitive measures.

Calling for a discussion with the home ministry, they claimed that civil society had not been engaged on the proposed law despite minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s statement last month that the framework had been completed.

Saifuddin also said the framework for the Drug and Substance Abuse (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act would be referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia president Ramli Abd Samad said the rehabilitation centre, founded and run entirely by former addicts, had not been consulted.

He said they did not have any details on the proposed law but hoped to give their input before it is tabled in Parliament.

According to reports, the new law aims to decriminalise minor drug use and help reduce congestion in prisons.

“The treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts should be regarded as a health issue rather than a criminal offence. It needs to be managed by the health ministry,” Ramli told FMT.

“We hope the bill encourages alternative approaches to tackle drug addiction, such as harm reduction therapy and a one-stop centre for addiction recovery.”

Ramli also proposed that the treatment and rehabilitation services should be outsourced to NGOs.

“This would be cost-effective and ease congestion in National Anti-Drug Agency centres and prisons.”

Last year, FMT reported that it cost RM20,690 a year to keep a person in prison, while 60% of prisoners comprised those convicted of non-violent minor drug offences.

Ignatius Wong, coordinator of the Grace Centre – a rehabilitation centre for drug and alcohol abuse – said his organisation would also like to be consulted on the bill.

“To my knowledge, most centres (treating addiction) have not been consulted,” Wong told FMT.

He said it was vital for the Grace Centre and other relevant stakeholders working on the ground to give their input, as these organisations had practical experience in dealing with substance abuse. - FMT