Don't try to smuggle cannabis from Thailand

SHAH ALAM - Thailand has made a decision to allow its people to cultivate cannabis plants at their homes for medical purposes, making it the first Asian country to do so.

However, recreational usage of the plant is still banned in the country.

The issue has received several reactions from the authorities as well as Malaysian citizens who were worried that this would cause smuggling activities and misuse of the plant.

The people who live nearby have also voiced out their concerns regarding the increase of smuggling activities and drug addicts following the decision of the land of white elephants which allowed growing of cannabis.

Therefore, Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the police will strengthen control at the Malaysia-Thailand border.

Ayob said Thailand's decision would simultaneously entice local drug traffickers to obtain supplies from the country.

The police will double the control at all Malaysia-Thailand borders, including monitoring suspicious activities involving attempts to smuggle in cannabis.

Meanwhile, Kedah Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) director Datuk Shaharom Nizam Abd Manap warned people against committing such offences.

He said the authorities and even locals are reminded to not conspire with smuggling syndicates as it would tarnish the image of the country.

Although Thailand has allowed it, the laws in Malaysia still prohibits the use of cannabis even for medicinal purposes.

Therefore, Malaysians are urged to abide by the law to prevent heavy punishments for committing such offences.