PUTRAJAYA: The government has discussed and agreed on several matters relating to fighting drug abuse in the country more effectively.
This was achieved at a Law Enforcement Working Committee meeting earlier today.
Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who chaired the meeting said one of the items discussed was the RM300 million allocation to purchase 20 cargo-screening machines, which were in the process of acquisition.
He said amendmend to certain laws pertaining to drug-related offences were also highighted in the meeting.
“One consideration paper and three notifications papers were presented comprising recommendations to the amendments of Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983, status of the plan to separate drug abuse inmates, the achievements of Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN), and challenges faced by the police."
Muhyiddin said it was also agreed in the meeting that the Health Ministry make amendments to penalties imposed on ketum abusers. It was expected to be presented in the next parliament sitting.
"Apart from that, suggestions for penalties related to drug abuse to be stopped from being registered under the Registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons Registry as contained in the Registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons Act 1969 [Act 7] were also discussed.
"There were also recommendations to amend the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983, including to redefine abusers, drug addicts and drug users, to review the power of National Anti-Drugs Agency’s (AADK) director-general on the management of private rehabilitation facilities and others.
"It was also suggested that clusters of drug addicts be establishment at 14 prison institutions which include 19 blocks to house 9,500 drug abuse inmates at one time. This measure is estimated to cost RM285 million," he said.
Muhyiddin said AADK was also set to begin a pilot project to fight drug abuse and other social problems at 12 areas.
"This project will be implemented at high risk areas in line with integrated efforts to combat drug abuse. It will become a model to be expanded throughout the country in line with the National Drug Policy,"he said.
Muhyiddin said among the places identified for the pilot project were Pulau Langkawi, Felda Lubuk Merbau and Kuala Kedah in Kedah.
"In Selangor, we have identified Sri Mentari Flats in Petaling, Sungai Besar in Sabak Bernam and Felda Gugusan in Hulu Selangor.
"Other places are Perling, Tampoi Skudai, Parit Sulong in Johor, Pengkalan Chepa in Kelantan, Kuala Dungun in Terengganu, PPR Sungai Bonus in Kuala Lumpur and Felda Keratong 3 in Pahang," he said.
Muhyiddin also said a work committee would be established to plan out anti-drug campaigns organised by AADK, which would involve every level, including the state governments.
The national level campaign was expected to be launched by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said the government viewed the issue of drug abuse very seriously and noted the challenges faced by AADK in terms of facility and manpower shortage.
"This is based on the ratio of AADK officers and clients which stands at 1:2000. The international standard is 1:25. This is something the ministry will look into," he added.