KUALA LUMPUR - The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) has now been empowered to direct ketum leaf users to undergo treatment at the agency's rehabilitation centre even if they do not show symptoms of addiction.
AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the authority was obtained after the Dewan Rakyat passed the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Bill 2024 last year.
"Previously they may have escaped action because (AADK) did not have the legal power to detain them, but now, even if they are not addicted, they can still be subject to treatment if they test positive and found to be abusing the substance,” he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s ‘Ruang Bicara: Drug Prevention’ programme tonight.
Ruslin elaborated that the same action could also be taken against users of other illicit substances, such as ecstasy, even if the user does not show signs of addiction.
"Even if the individual in question takes (drugs) once a year, if he is detected, we can take action under the Drug Dependants Act,” he said.
Ruslin said the government also encourages voluntary treatment for drug abusers as this approach is deemed supportive of an individual’s recovery journey.
He said the approach reflects the government’s commitment to tackling substance abuse through a more inclusive and progressive treatment and rehabilitation framework.
The Dewan Rakyat passed the bill in July last year, which, among other things, will help the government regulate and improve the management and operation of private drug rehabilitation centres in the country.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail noted that the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 did not have a provision requiring the registration of private rehabilitation centres. - BERNAMA