KOTA KINABALU: Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has highlighted that there are 145,526 identified drug addicts, but the actual number could surpass half a million in Malaysia.
Referring to AADK data, he mentioned that 53,072 individuals have been imprisoned for drug-related offences, making up 70.4% of all inmates in the country.
Tangau also pointed out that the current prison capacity is 69,816 people.
While acknowledging the government’s positive intentions in amending the Drug Dependents (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act, he raised concerns about certain shortcomings in the bill.
During the recent debate on the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Bill 2024 in Parliament, Tangau highlighted issues such as a maximum punishment of two years in jail and up to three strokes of whipping for violating treatment conditions in the community; excessive powers granted to AADK rehab officers; and an unjust RM5,000 fine imposed on parents of underage drug users who breach treatment terms.
The government MP proposed sending the Drug Dependents (Treatment and Rehabilitation) 2024 Amendment Bill to a PSSC for consultations with civil society, academics, medical professionals, and NGOs.
“We cannot approve it in its current form,” Madius emphasised.
