Over 2,100 seek voluntary drug treatment under revised law

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has pointed to a surge in voluntary drug treatment applications as evidence of the success of recent legislative reforms. A total of 2,145 individuals have voluntarily sought treatment under the amended Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983, according to the minister.

The revised legislation, which has shifted the focus toward rehabilitation rather than purely punitive measures, has been credited with encouraging more drug users to come forward and seek help. The increase in voluntary applications represents a marked change in approach to managing drug dependency within the country.

The amendments to the act represent a significant policy shift aimed at addressing drug addiction as a public health issue rather than solely a criminal matter. By removing barriers to treatment and emphasizing rehabilitation pathways, the revised framework has reportedly made individuals more willing to participate in formal treatment programmes.

The minister's comments underscore the government's commitment to tackling drug dependency through inclusive and health-focused strategies. The voluntary treatment uptake is being interpreted as an encouraging sign that the reformed legal framework is achieving its intended objective of bringing more people into the treatment and rehabilitation system.