Speaking to reporters after opening the National Anti-Drug Science Symposium, he said his ministry held a briefing with MPs today to outline the amendments being made.
“We have 29 clauses, and we explained each one to them so that they can debate, criticise, and provide recommendations soon, with the hope that the bill will be passed in both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, and then we will gazette it,” he said.
Saifuddin said there will be a few significant amendments, notably clearer definitions of drug abuse and addiction, aiming to differentiate between patients in need of treatment and those deemed criminal offenders.
However, he said only those who voluntarily sought treatment and rehabilitation from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) would be considered as “patients” to ensure their cases would not lead to criminal investigations.
“Finally, among the major changes is the improved role of the AADK rehabilitation officers, who can now prescribe rehabilitation programmes for patients. Previously, this was the sole responsibility of doctors (pathologists),” he added.
Saifuddin said the rehabilitation officers were equipped to handle this responsibility as they had undergone training in accordance with international standards.
He added that the move would streamline processes by removing bureaucratic hurdles that complicate the situation.
Countering extremist elements
Separately, Saifuddin assured that the country’s security forces are on high alert to curb elements of terrorism and extremism.
“I’m saying that while elements such as the Islamic State (IS) are there, the fact cannot be ignored that the police managed to identify and arrest them,” he said.
“This shows that the authorities, namely the police, are ready at all times.”
On Monday, Saifuddin said eight people suspected of having links with radical elements involving the IS militant group were arrested by police over the weekend.
All eight suspects, aged between 25 and 70, have been detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).