KUALA LUMPUR: The Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Bill 2024 received the nod from Dewan Rakyat after the second and third readings today.
The bill, which seeks to improve the act by differentiating the interpretation between a drug or substance dependant and a drug or substance misuser, was tabled for the first reading on July 2, by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.
The second reading of the bill, which also seeks to widen the scope of the treatment and rehabilitation to a drug or substance dependant or a drug or substance misuser, was tabled on July 3, before it was postponed for further fine-tuning and referred to two Parliamentary Special Select Committees (PSCC), which are Health and Security.
"I hope that this bill will receive unanimous approval from all members of parliament, and any related issues can be discussed separately when finalising the rules and regulations necessary for its implementation," Saifuddin said in his winding-up speech after the second reading today.
During a press conference after the bill was passed, Saifuddin said two elements differentiated it from the previous legislation.
"Firstly, the element of diversion. Previously, individuals involved in drug-related offences, such as possession or substance abuse, faced imprisonment. Now, they are directed toward treatment and recovery programmes managed by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
"This initiative includes utilising the existing 30 AADK centres and private rehabilitation facilities.
"Secondly, decriminalisation. While offences under Sections 15(1) and 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 remain crimes, Sections 8, 6, and 6(a) of the same act introduce elements of decriminalisation.
"This allows individuals with drug addiction to voluntarily come forward under Section 8, enabling placement in Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centres (Puspen) instead of facing criminal charges. This approach aims to encourage individuals to seek help without immediate legal repercussions."
Saifuddin also emphasised the expanded role of rehabilitation officers, saying "These officers now have the authority to certify clients who voluntarily seek treatment and rehabilitation. However, medical officers remain indispensable, especially for cases requiring specialised medical attention during initial assessments."