Latest news with #Act283
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Drug abuse relapse still occurs after rehab, says case worker
PETALING JAYA: While amendments to Act 283 did keep some drug abusers out of prison, it does little to stop those who were rehabilitated from relapsing, says Benjamin Thain, a case worker and advocate in drug addiction intervention. 'Even after a year of the amendments to Act 283, it is still very under prepared, which affects how effective we are in mitigating the issue. 'There needs to be a holistic system. After rehabilitation, they need to reintegrate into society. Just getting them out of prison isn't enough,' said Thain when asked to comment on the current state of affairs in the rehabilitation of drug offenders. He argued that it is very easy for former addicts to reoffend when the right support is not provided. 'Even being in rehab temporarily won't help if the root issue isn't addressed. When they come out, they often return to their old habits. So, it can't just be a change of place. 'Otherwise, they enter AADK, then come out, offend again, go back in ... it's a cycle. 'Many go back because there's no societal support, no place to go. 'Even if they're not criminalised anymore, the stigma remains. 'So the government needs to do more than just keep them out of prison,' Thain said, adding that community-based organisations and authorities should step up their game. 'After rehab, what happens? Where's the support system? Where do they go? They face family stress, discrimination, and generational trauma. And many want real change. 'But they're not only battling external stigma from society, they're also facing internal stigma. 'The shame of being labelled a drug user or former addict,' he said, adding that it is an uphill climb as drug addiction has been criminalised for so long. 'The amendments haven't come with the support system needed for society to actually receive it properly. 'After rehabilitation, there should be provisions for treatment, workshops, and support groups to help reintegrate into society. 'That 'aftercare' plan is critical,' said Thain. He also pointed at Portugal as a model that is worthy of emulation.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Treatment for drug dependency better as a path for recovery
PETALING JAYA: Even though the decriminalisation of drug dependency last year managed to keep many addicts out of prison, much more needs to be done to ensure their successful reintegration into wider society, say authorities and activists. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic) said since the amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 (Act 283) were gazetted in October 2024, the government, through the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), has implemented a new mechanism that prioritises treatment and rehabilitation over imprisonment for drug addiction offences – particularly for first-time offenders and those not involved in drug trafficking. In an interview, he said between January and July this year, a total of 1,594 detainees for various drug-related offences (minus trafficking) have been screened and assessed for further rehabilitation. 'This amendment recognises that addiction is a recurring disease that requires ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, and should not immediately result in imprisonment or corporal punishment. 'AADK has also strengthened its initiatives to transform drug treatment and rehabilitation in Malaysia by introducing Drug Screening and Assessment Centres (DAC). 'These centres use a single-point-entry approach and empower AADK rehabilitation officers as experts in screening and assessment. 'The purpose of establishing DACs is to speed up the process for detainees to receive treatment and rehabilitation, without waiting for pathology results,' said Saifuddin Nasution. Currently, the four DACs are in Tampin, Kuala Muda (Kedah), Gambang (Pahang), as well as at AADK's headquarters in Kajang. 'This provision focuses on a policy shift from imprisonment to treatment and rehabilitation. 'We can see that when an individual commits a drug-related offence, especially under Section 15(1)(a) of the DDA 1952, they will be diverted to treatment and rehabilitation, either through Institutional Rehabilitation Treatment Programme (RPDI) or the Community-Based Rehabilitation Treatment Programme (RPDK). 'This step not only helps individuals avoid further imprisonment but also reduces prison overcrowding and allows individuals to maintain employment throughout their recovery process,' he added. As of Aug 8, a total of 51,513 drug dependents are undergoing RPDK, while 5,819 others are in RPDI. 'The amendment also provides procedures for the voluntary treatment and rehabilitation of any drug or substance addict or abuser. 'This section empowers rehabilitation officers to make recommendations and subsequently provide suitable drug and substance rehabilitation treatment for any person undergoing treatment voluntarily,' said Saifuddin Nasution. He said although the Act has not yet been enforced, 924 drug dependents voluntarily came forward from January to August to seek rehabilitation. He further explained that under the amended Act 283, penalty options such as fines or community service have also been introduced for violations of conditions under the community-based rehabilitation order. 'For such violations, the court may now opt for a fine or community service as alternative penalties in addition to imprisonment or whipping, as provided in the original Act 283,' he said. Saifuddin Nasution said the amendment has also enabled rehabilitation to be provided at the early stage to 'reduce the risk of severity' and ultimately stop drug and substance addiction. 'With regard to drug and substance addicts or abusers, who are now considered patients, this is aimed at reducing the stigma faced by individuals involved in addiction and substance abuse so that they are more willing to come forward to seek treatment,' he said. On a wider scale, he added the ministry also acknowledges that drug addiction is a chronic disease which is not solely a health issue, but one that must be managed in the context of public safety and order.
New Straits Times
26-04-2025
- New Straits Times
Retiree among 40 rounded up in anti-drug crackdown
SIBU: A 56-year-old private sector retiree was among 40 individuals who tested positive for methamphetamine in the two-day Operasi Perdana/Bersepadu crackdown carried out by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) in Sarawak at the Sungai Asap Resettlement Scheme in Belaga from Thursday. According to Sarawak AADK Enforcement and Security Assistant Director Mohamed Izuan Abdul Rahman, all the individuals will be brought before the circuit court in Belaga to obtain an order under Section 6(1) of the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 (Act 283), once the pathology reports are issued. "A court order is required to determine whether they should undergo institutional treatment and rehabilitation or participate in a community-based programme," he said in a statement today. He explained that all 40 individuals who tested positive were aged between 19 and 56, comprising 34 men and the remainder women and that none of them had prior drug abuse records. – BERNAMA
Malay Mail
26-04-2025
- Malay Mail
Retiree among 40 rounded up in Sarawak anti-drug crackdown
SIBU, April 26 — A 56-year-old private sector retiree was among 40 individuals who tested positive for methamphetamine in the two-day Operasi Perdana/Bersepadu crackdown carried out by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) in Sarawak at the Sungai Asap Resettlement Scheme in Belaga from Thursday. According to Sarawak AADK Enforcement and Security Assistant Director Mohamed Izuan Abdul Rahman, all the individuals will be brought before the circuit court in Belaga to obtain an order under Section 6(1) of the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 (Act 283), once the pathology reports are issued. 'A court order is required to determine whether they should undergo institutional treatment and rehabilitation or participate in a community-based programme,' he said in a statement today. He explained that all 40 individuals who tested positive were aged between 19 and 56, comprising 34 men and the remainder women and that none of them had prior drug abuse records. — Bernama
The Star
26-04-2025
- The Star
Retiree among 40 rounded up in anti-drug crackdown in Belaga
SIBU: A 56-year-old private sector retiree was among 40 individuals who tested positive for methamphetamine in the two-day Operasi Perdana/Bersepadu crackdown carried out by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) in Sarawak at the Sungai Asap Resettlement Scheme in Belaga from Thursday (April 24). According to Sarawak AADK Enforcement and Security Assistant Director Mohamed Izuan Abdul Rahman, all the individuals will be brought before the circuit court in Belaga to obtain an order under Section 6(1) of the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 (Act 283), once the pathology reports are issued. "A court order is required to determine whether they should undergo institutional treatment and rehabilitation or participate in a community-based programme," he said in a statement on Saturday (April 26). He explained that all 40 individuals who tested positive were aged between 19 and 56, comprising 34 men and the remainder women and that none of them had prior drug abuse records. - Bernama
