KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) today called for the setting up of a special commission to review drug-related policies to bring about more reforms and changes.
Its senior vice-chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, said the proposed commission should comprise heads of government agencies, non-governmental organisations and experts.
He said the commission would need to review existing drug-related approaches and introduce a new drug policy that was more effective and comprehensive to address drug issues.
“The commission should also carry out a comprehensive analysis on the failure of various programmes and initiatives to address drug issues which have all the while only focused on arresting and punishing drug addicts.
“It should also take into account the proposal to decriminalise drug addicts as they should not be seen as criminals, but patients who need to be treated and rehabilitated,” he said in a statement here today.
He said the commission would also have to look into current drug issues, including the smuggling of synthetic drugs, which targeted the younger generation, including students.
Lee said a recent statement by Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador that drug abuse in the country was now at a critical stage showed the seriousness of the problem and the country’s failure in addressing the problem.
He said although the drug problem in Malaysia had not reached the level of countries such as Colombia, it would worsen if drastic measures were not taken to address it.
He said those who were involved in drug abuse and trafficking were not afraid of the law or the mandatory death sentence for drug traffickers.
“The time has come for the government to conduct a comprehensive review of all policies, approaches, operations and even law enforcement on drugs,” he added. - Bernama