Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has revealed that the government is looking to decriminalise the misuse of drugs in small quantities.
He said the legal amendment is in the pipeline and his ministry will meet with the Health Ministry to discuss the matter.
The discussion, which Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will chair, is scheduled for June 11.
“We are in a phase of discussing the provision of law.
“We are optimistic that the pipeline will end with us successfully tabling it to the Parliament,” said Saifuddin.
“The decriminalisation aspect is the misuse of substances, not on 39B or hardcore addicts,” he added.
Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act (Act 234) concerns trafficking dangerous drugs, involving the death penalty or life imprisonment with whipping.
The proposed amendments focus on decriminalising substance misuse, allowing users to seek treatment at National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) rehabilitation centres.
The minister said that currently, dealing with drug misuse is the police’s responsibility, where its officers will have to open investigation papers, which later would involve the courts and more.
“Then, it would result in overcrowding prisons, increased court cases, and a heavier workload for the police,” he said.
Therefore, Saifuddin said that decriminalisation would allow individuals an opportunity to undergo treatment, especially when they go voluntarily. - Mkini
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