KUALA LUMPUR: The big number of repeat drug offenders in prisons calls into question the effectiveness of punitive measures in dealing with the narcotics' problem, says a former deputy minister
He wants the government to conduct a study on this.
Ramkarpal Singh, a former deputy minister in Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), said the number of prisoners nationwide up to September last year was 75,379, exceeding the prisons' maximum capacity of 69,816.
"The ministry's (Health) announcement that it is committed to aiding those struggling with drug use and addiction by adopting a more treatment-based rehabilitative approach is a welcome move that can also reduce prison congestion.
"Given the high number of drug use and addiction-related prisoners languishing in prison, the Home Ministry should conduct a thorough study on whether punitive methods in dealing with the problem are effective.
"It is unlikely that they are, particularly when 7,889 prisoners up to September last year were either in remand or convicted for being repeat offenders under section 39C of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952," he said in a statement today.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had said in a statement recently that the authorities are committed to aiding those struggling with drug use and addiction.
Ramkarpal said the incarceration of drug users and addicts would not overcome or reduce the problem.
"It will be prudent for the government to review the said sections 12(2), 15(1)(a) and 39C of the act with a view to amending them to cater for a more treatment-based rehabilitative approach."
He welcomed efforts by organisations such as Persatuan Pengasih, which is supported by the Health Ministry, to treat drug users and addicts.
"It high time the government adopted policies with long-term goals of rehabilitating offenders, who can contribute to the development of the country, as well as reducing the number of prison inmates to within the maximum capacity."