PETALING JAYA: Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh has called on the government to review certain sections of the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1952 to allow for a more treatment-based rehabilitative approach.
Citing data from last year, Ramkarpal said nearly one-third of the country’s total prison population is behind bars for offences outlined in the Act.
“As of September last year, the number of prisoners in all prisons across the country amounted to 75,379, exceeding the maximum capacity of 69,816,” he said in a statement.
“A total of 23,523 of these (prisoners) are serving sentences for drug use and addiction under Sections 12(2), 15(1)(a), and 39C of the Act.”
As such, he said, it would be prudent for the government to review these sections of the Act.
Ramkarpal, a former deputy law and institutional reform minister, said the home ministry should conduct a study on the effectiveness of punitive methods in addressing drug-related issues.
He also welcomed the health ministry’s commitment to help those struggling with drug use and addiction by adopting a more treatment-based rehabilitative approach.
Earlier today, health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry supports Persatuan Pengasih in its efforts to help drug addicts, citing the centre’s adoption of the biopsychosocial spiritual approach as an exemplary model.
Ramkarpal said efforts by NGOs such as Persatuan Pengasih to treat drug users and addicts should be commended and encouraged.
“Incarcerating drug users and addicts will not overcome or reduce the problem of drug use and addiction,” he said.
“It is high time that the government adopts policies with long-term goals of rehabilitating these offenders who can contribute to the development of the country, as well as reduce the number of prison inmates to within the maximum capacity of prisons in the country.” - FMT
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