PUTRAJAYA, Oct 23 — The Cabinet Committee on Combating Drug Abuse (JKMD) has outlined three key objectives to create a ‘game changer’ for a more comprehensive and effective fight against the dadah scourge.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the JKMD chairman, said the three objectives were stamping out drug smuggling and distribution, widening access to treatment and rehabilitation, and enhancing the ability to curb the dangers of narcotics.
Under the objective of combating drug smuggling and trafficking, ‘rat trails’ and illegal jetties used by smugglers in Perlis, Kelantan, and Kedah would be eradicated to prevent the entry of illicit drugs into Malaysia.
“Apart from this, tighter controls need to be implemented by amending the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 to provide for heavier punishment on dadah distribution and possession,” he said in a statement issued in conjunction with JKMD’s second meeting for 2023 earlier today.
The government will also seriously emphasise strengthening the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (JSJN) of the Royal Malaysia Police to ensure that JSJN can combat drug trafficking more systematically and comprehensively.
On the easy supply of drugs online, Zahid said the government is studying the need to develop legal provisions to regulate all e-commerce platforms to prevent the sale and distribution of narcotics via online apps.
Regarding the target of widening access to treatment and rehabilitation, two major aspects — amendments to the Drug Addicts (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 and amendments to the schedule of the Registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons Act 1969 (Act 7) — should be given attention.
“If this access can be widened, efforts to divert drug abusers under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 to treatment and rehabilitation, and to treat and rehabilitate abusers of substances like ketum and (sniffing) glue can be implemented.
“These efforts can indirectly reduce the stigma and impact of imprisonment on drug and substance abusers,” he added.
On the aim of enhancing society’s ability to curb the dangers of drugs, the government will provide a strategic plan and comprehensive communication to increase the involvement of the community and non-governmental organisations in the fight against drug abuse.
“The incorporation of quick action ability by society is seen as capable of giving early prevention on the dangers of drugs by educating risk groups to protect themselves from the snares of the dadah scourge,” Zahid said.
— Bernama
