19 Feb 2021 / 17:59 H. Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19: The Drug and Substance Abuse Act which will replace the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 will enable many drug abusers and addicts to be rehabilitated instead of being sent to jail.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the change of punishment for drug abusers and addicts from prison sentences to rehabilitation and treatment programme will materialise this year through the new legislation.
He said it was to avoid the stigma of the society which looked negatively on abusers and drug addicts.
“Besides that, it will also facilitate their reintegration into the community and gives them a second chance,” he said in conjunction with the 38th National Anti-Drugs Day on NADA’s Facebook Live session today.