MP'S PROPOSE REFERRING DRUG DEPENDANTS (REHABILITATION AND TREATMENT) BILL TO PSC

KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) -- Several Members of Parliament (MP) have proposed that the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Bill 2024 be referred to a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) for further scrutiny.

During the debate session, Teresa Kok Suh Sim (PH-Seputeh) emphasised the importance of referring the bill to the PSC to enable more engagement sessions with stakeholders, including private treatment centres, to identify the best treatments for drug addicts.

"The government should collaborate with private treatment centres, including those using religious values and teachings because according to former addicts, treatment methods and programmes that emphasise love and religious education are more effective in helping them overcome drug addiction.

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"I also support placing this bill under the supervision of the Ministry of Health (MOH) rather than the Ministry of Home Affairs, if we are serious about removing the criminal stigma from addicts and decriminalising drug addiction," she said.

Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) added that several aspects need consideration, including the definition of “Rehabilitation Officer” in the bill, which does not specify their qualifications and expertise. He also suggested involving officers from the Ministry of Health.

"Another concern is the overlap between this amendment and the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, as the latter still criminalises self-administration of drugs, such as cases involving urine tests, where an individual can be convicted if caught by the police.

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"Due to this overlap, any conflict between this amendment and the Dangerous Drugs Act could lead to future abuses of power and potential corruption. For example, if a drug addict or user is arrested, will they be prosecuted under this Act or the Dangerous Drugs Act, which carries penal consequences?" he elaborated.

During the session, Wong Shu Qi (PH-Kluang) raised concerns about the amendment to Section 9 of the Act, which imposes a fine of up to RM5,000 on parents or guardians of underage drug addicts, viewing it as a regressive measure.

She stated that such fines would deter parents or guardians who cannot afford them from reporting their children's drug abuse.

"This amendment needs to be reconsidered. It will deter them from reporting their underage children's offences, making it difficult for the government to rehabilitate underage addicts," she said.

Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor, who chaired the debate, also sought the opinions of Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) and Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (PH-Gombak), with each expressing differing views.

Syahredzan, agreeing with Wong's stance that fines would discourage parents and guardians from reporting their children's offences, stated his belief that punishment should be a last resort.

Amirudin, on the other hand, proposed conducting further investigations into parents or guardians of underage drug addicts. He highlighted the possibility that parental influence or negligence may have contributed to the child's drug addiction, prompting the need for deeper scrutiny.

"We cannot criminalise all parents. Punishment should be reserved for those who are genuinely negligent and deliberately push their children and spouses into drug addiction," he emphasised.

The Dewan Rakyat session will resume next Tuesday. 

-- BERNAMA