By: Media and Corporate Communication Unit (UMKK)

KUALA LUMPUR, August 1, 2024 – The Dewan Negara unanimously passed the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 (Amendment) 2024 Bill today during the Second Meeting of the Third Session of the Fifteenth Parliament.

The Bill was passed by a majority vote after 29 Members of the Dewan Negara participated in the debate sessions when it was presented for the second reading.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, explained during the reading session that the Bill, containing 29 clauses, introduces a new perspective by shifting the policy from treating addicts as criminals to viewing them as patients in need of treatment.

With this amendment, all drug and substance addicts will be channelled into two treatment and rehabilitation programs: institutional treatment and rehabilitation (RPDI) or community-based treatment and rehabilitation (RPDK).

Additionally, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar stated that the Bill would expand access to treatment and rehabilitation, particularly on a voluntary basis, among drug and substance addicts.

It is hoped that this amendment will help save at-risk individuals, especially drug and substance abusers, before they fall into addiction.

Also present were NADA Deputy Director General (Management), Puan Shobah Jamil; NADA Deputy Director General (Operations), Tuan Khairul Anwar Bachok; and NADA Division Directors.