Amended Poisons Act allows more effective action against abuses, ministries say
Under the amendments passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (July 28), all police personnel regardless of rank, as well as individuals appointed by the Health Ministry, would be able to handle poisons, including drugs.
Under the existing Act, enforcement powers were limited to drug enforcement officers, including pharmacists, police officers with the rank of Inspector and above, as well as senior Customs officers.
Act 366 governs the aspects of the use, possession and distribution of poisons and psychotropic substances in Malaysia.
ALSO READ: Dewan Rakyat passes Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025
"This amendment... aims to increase the effectiveness of enforcement against offences of misuse of poisons and psychotropic substances, as well as to ensure actions that are faster, comprehensive and responsive can be taken in addressing threats to public health and national security,' the ministries said in a joint statement on Tuesday (July 29).
They said patrolling and inspection are usually carried out by police personnel of lower ranks, such as Konstabel and Koperal, who are present in larger numbers in the field.
'The expansion of powers to members of the police force regardless of rank will enhance the efficiency and reach of enforcement operations,' the statement read.
In addition, some areas do not have a permanent presence of authorised officers under the Act.
To close this gap, the Bill also provides power to the Health Minister to appoint other officers, subject to terms and conditions, to assist in the implementation of enforcement when necessary, the statement noted.
The ministries said the amendment shows the continuous commitment of the government, especially the Health Ministry, to address the misuse of controlled substances through a stronger, more inclusive and comprehensive enforcement approach
' It is also in line with the aspirations of Madani values, namely Sustainability and Well-being, to protect... the people and the security of the nation,' they added.
The Bill was passed by a voice vote after being debated by 12 MPs from both the government and Opposition blocs.
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) recently voiced strong concern about the amendment and urged the government to halt its progress in Parliament until proper engagement is conducted with stakeholders in the healthcare sector.
MMA president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the association, along with other medical professional bodies, was concerned that the Bill was tabled without prior consultation with key stakeholders.
Dr Kalwinder said the language of the Bill was overly broad and raised red flags regarding enforcement powers and the implications for private healthcare services.
He pointed specifically to Clause 2, which designates all police officers as authorised officers under the Act, and the proposed Section 31A, which grants the Health Minister power to appoint 'any person' without specifying qualifications.
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