By Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Chairman Alliance For A Safe Community
KOTA KINABALU: The Alliance for a Safe Community welcomes and fully supports the call by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Royal Malaysia Police to amend the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (DDA) in order to address the rising menace of online drug trafficking.
Drug syndicates today are no longer confined to traditional methods of distribution. With the advancement of technology, many of these groups have turned to online platforms, encrypted applications, and social media to promote and sell dangerous drugs, often targeting our youth.
The existing provisions of the DDA, which were framed more than 70 years ago, are no longer sufficient to deal with the evolving methods of drug trafficking.
Strengthening the law is therefore urgent for several reasons:
1. To Keep Pace with Technology –
Drug syndicates exploit digital platforms to avoid detection. Legal amendments are needed to empower enforcement agencies with stronger investigative tools to track, intercept, and dismantle these networks.
2. To Protect the Young and Vulnerable – Online drug sales often reach minors and young adults who are easily influenced and unaware of the dangers. Tougher legal measures will help protect the next generation from falling prey to these threats.
3. To Close Legal Loopholes – Current laws are inadequate in addressing issues like online solicitation, encrypted transactions, and delivery services used by traffickers. Updating the Act will close gaps that criminals are now exploiting.
4. To Strengthen Enforcement and Prosecution – With clearer legal provisions and broader definitions of trafficking, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors will be better equipped to secure convictions against offenders.
Drug abuse and trafficking remain one of the most serious threats to national security, public health, and the wellbeing of families. It destroys lives, fuels crime, and undermines the fabric of our society.
We therefore urge policymakers to move decisively to amend the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 so that Malaysia is fully equipped to combat the scourge of online drug trafficking. The safety of our people, especially our youth, must always be the nation’s top priority.
