TAWAU: The amendment to the Drug Addict Rehabilitation and Treatment Act 1983 is aimed at reducing bureaucracy to expedite the process of obtaining treatment, especially for those who voluntarily seek it.
It can also expand the role of private treatment centres so that treatment and rehabilitation are not solely dependent on AADK facilities.
Mohd. Zaki Harry Susanto, an advisor to the Sabah Drug and Crime Prevention Organisation (PPDJS), said that the amendment also aims to correct the stigma against AADK, which has been seen as not providing second chances for addicts to improve themselves after being detained.
At the same time, he said that it will not diminish the role of registered medical officers as stipulated in the original act.
“The enforcement by AADK is not meant to punish but rather focuses on treatment and rehabilitation. With these amendments, addicts who voluntarily seek help can receive immediate treatment and rehabilitation without facing punishment unless they violate the conditions. This can also help reduce overcrowding in prisons,” he said in a statement.
Zaki, who is also the Chairman of the Tawau District Drug Rehabilitation Committee (JKPD), believes that the effort to introduce a new bill, the ‘Drug and Substance Abuse Act,’ is in line with the ‘Controlled Drugs Policy 2025’ and should not be delayed.
“All parties need to be open-minded and not doubt the competence of AADK Rehabilitation Officers. I understand that a structured training plan for the next five years has been prepared in anticipation of these amendments.
“However, we also suggest that the appointment of AADK officers in all districts be reviewed. It needs to be expanded and adjusted to the roles of AADK Rehabilitation Officers, which will surely increase once this bill is passed,” he added.
The Drug Addiction Rehabilitation and Treatment Act 1983 (Amendment) should focus on treating and rehabilitating addicts rather than just punishing them, Zaki said.
