Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN-Maran) said isolating the addicts, especially those being rehabilitated, would reduce any risk of them being exposed to drug dealers.
“It would be easier to manage addicts if they are housed on an island,” the MP told the Dewan Rakyat.
Ismail, a former deputy human resources minister, proposed this when debating the amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act.
The amendments, tabled by home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, aim to broaden the scope of treatment and rehabilitation for addicts.
In 2017, PAS assemblyman Abdul Wahid Endut had proposed that the Terengganu government build a special camp on an island for the rehabilitation of young drug addicts.
Wahid, then the Wakaf Mempelam assemblyman, contended that it would be difficult for drug addicts to get supplies if they were sent for rehabilitation on a remote island.
In March, it was reported that the number of drug addicts had increased by 27% in the first six months of 2023 to 118,820 from 93,534 reported in the same period in 2022.
Council of rehabilitation officers
Meanwhile, deputy home minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah told the Dewan Rakyat that among the proposals under the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Bill 2024 was the establishment of the council of rehabilitation officers aimed at regulating the profession.
He said the council would play a role in recognising the competencies and professionalism of rehabilitation officers.
“The council also determines the qualifications or criteria that qualify rehabilitation officers or registered medical practitioners to perform treatment and rehabilitation duties.
“The council’s members will consist of experts in medical and drug addiction treatment as well as rehabilitation from both the private and government sectors,” Bernama quoted him as saying while presenting the bill for its second reading.
Shamsul said the bill, consisting of 29 clauses, empowers the minister to approve or cancel the registration of private rehabilitation centres run by any individual, organisation, body, or group.
“Through this amendment, a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both, may be imposed on any person who provides, manages, or carries out any service without the minister’s approval.
“Additionally, a fine of not less than RM50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both, may be imposed on any person who fails to comply with the minister’s conditions,” he said.