Shamsul: Officers don’t get absolute power under drug rehab law amendments

Certification from government medical officers or registered medical practitioners remains necessary for drug addicts to obtain treatment and rehabilitation orders under the amended Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983.

Deputy Home Minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said under the amendments to Sections 6(1) and 6(a)(1) of the Act, certification by medical officers, along with recommendations from National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) officers, must be submitted to the magistrate to obtain the relevant orders.

“Therefore, I would like to emphasise...