Will new drug law focus on rehabilitation over jail?

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New Drug Law to Prioritise Rehabilitation Over Incarceration for Minor Offences

A new Bill is being developed to decriminalise the possession and self-administration of small quantities of drugs, with the primary aim of diverting offenders towards rehabilitation rather than imprisonment. This proposed legislation, to be known as the Drugs and Substance Abuse Act (Akta Penyalahgunaan Dadah dan Bahan), seeks to alleviate prison overcrowding by focusing on treatment and recovery pathways. The Home Minister has expressed an intention to present the Bill to the Cabinet by July and subsequently table it in Parliament within 2023.
Focus on Diversion to Rehabilitation Centres

The core tenet of the proposed Drugs and Substance Abuse Act is to shift the approach for individuals found with small quantities of drugs, whether for possession or self-administration. Instead of facing conventional drug crime charges, these offenders will be directed towards rehabilitation. This includes both institutional and community-based treatment programmes overseen by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).
Aim to Reduce Prison Overcrowding

A significant objective behind the introduction of this new law is to address the persistent issue of prison overcrowding. By providing an alternative to incarceration for minor drug-related offences, the government anticipates a reduction in the number of individuals entering the penal system for these specific cases. This aligns with a broader strategy to manage correctional resources more effectively.
Legislative Timeline and Presentation

The drafting process for the Drugs and Substance Abuse Act is reportedly proceeding on schedule. The Home Minister has indicated a target to submit the Bill to the Cabinet for review by July of this year. Following Cabinet approval, the intention is to formally present the legislation in Parliament for its first reading before the end of 2023, marking a significant step towards its potential enactment.

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Will new drug law focus on rehabilitation over jail?

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