The move is to keep drug laws updated with advances in telecommunication technology.

These were included in the newly-amended Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Bill 1985 tabled in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed said the amendments were needed to stem the supply of drugs.

“Despite enforcement against drugs, there is concern over the rising number of addicts.

“If we are to be a drug-free nation, the supply and demand for drugs must be eradicated,” he said.

Other amendments compel those called in for investigations to answer questions or provide documents when requested or face six months’ jail, a RM10,000 fine, or both.

Parliament’s approval will also not be sought to extend the preventive laws on a periodic basis.

“With the amendments, the preventive laws will become permanent laws and need not get approval from both houses for extensions.”

During the debate, a war of words erupted between Nur Jazlan and Khalid Samad (Amanah-Shah Alam) when the latter said suspects would be detained without the right to trial.

Nur Jazlan said such laws were necessary and specifically targeted suspected drug traffickers.

He also denied that drug laws were only used against the small fry and were not used against kingpins.

“Between 2013 and 2015, 79 kingpins were arrested with assets worth RM173 million seized.”