New law to address minor drug cases soon

 

PARLIAMENT | Putrajaya will introduce a new law, possibly this year, that will mandate treatment rather than jail time for illicit drug possession.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the Dewan Rakyat that the new law will be called the Abuse of Drugs and Substances (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act.

The goal, he said, is to improve access to treatment and rehabilitation so that a drug offender can be reintegrated into society.

"The new law will have comprehensive legislation that allows those who wrongfully use drugs or substances to receive the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation," he said.

He said instead of jail or fines, the new law will require drug abusers to undergo treatment under the National Anti-Drug Agency or those offered by the community.

Saifuddin was responding to a question from Wong Chen (Pakatan Harapan-Subang) who asked the government to state its commitment to decriminalising minor drug offences to reduce prison overcrowding.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail

According to Saifuddin, Malaysia currently has 74,459 inmates in 39 facilities that were built to hold only 65,000 inmates.

Saifuddin said under the parole system, some inmates complete their sentences outside prisons.

Some inmates also participate in the Licensed Release of Prisoners Programme (PBSL) which also allowed for rehabilitation efforts outside jails.

These systems, said Saifuddin, had allowed the government to save a considerable amount of funds as it had to spend RM450 a month for each prisoner. - Mkini