Treat Drug Addicts As Patients, Not Criminals - Lee Lam Thye

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- The Alliance for a Safe Community has urged for a more compassionate and evidence-based approach in addressing drug addiction, stressing that addicts should be treated as patients rather than criminals.

Commenting on the amended drug law which came into effect yesterday, its chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said drug addiction is fundamentally a health issue and must be tackled pragmatically through treatment and rehabilitation.

“For far too long, drug addicts have been treated as criminals when in reality, many of them are struggling with a sickness that needs treatment, not punishment,” he said in a statement today.

The amended Drug and Substance Dependants and Misusers (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 took effect on Aug 22, focusing on treatment and rehabilitation while expanding the role of the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).

Lee stressed that addicts should only face criminal charges if they committed a crime.

“Unless an addict commits a crime, they should not be treated as criminals. What they truly need is proper medical care, treatment, and rehabilitation to recover and rebuild their lives,” he said.

He noted that imprisonment often worsens the problem by trapping addicts further in the cycle of addiction and stigma, without addressing the root causes.

Lee urged the government to strengthen rehabilitation programmes to ensure they are more accessible, effective and holistic, incorporating counselling, skills training and employment pathways for reintegration into society.

“Equally important is encouraging voluntary rehabilitation. Addicts should feel safe and supported to come forward and seek help, without fear of punishment or discrimination,” he said.

He said shifting the mindset towards treatment and rehabilitation would save lives while reducing the burden on prisons, families and society.

“We must shift our mindset: drug addicts are patients in need of care, not criminals to be punished. With compassion, rehabilitation, and opportunity, many of them can turn over a new leaf and contribute meaningfully to the community and the nation,” he said.

-- BERNAMA