KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — The government is formally studying the decriminalisation of drug use and minor possession, a landmark move that could see drug dependency treated as a public health issue rather than crime, a deputy minister confirmed today.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sani said a new technical working committee is reviewing key provisions, including Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which criminalises drug consumption.
Speaking at Malaysia’s first-ever Drug Policy Summit, Lukanisman argued for a shift away from punitive measures, questioning the wisdom of punishing young, productive individuals with laws he described as “archaic and still stuck in the colonial era.”
“If we block them, many of whom are typically educated, or may be bright to further their education, and we end up punishing them with an Act that is archaic and still stuck in the colonial era, we need to rethink our actions.
“Yes there was an amendment to the AADK law last year, but we need to do more than this,” the deputy minister added.
He clarified, however, that the effort is still at the early engagement phase
The move signals a potential acceleration of the government’s drug policy reforms.
While the current administration has already amended laws to divert some drug offenders into rehabilitation instead of prison, this is the first time it has formally considered removing the criminal penalties for consumption and small possession.
The summit, organised by the Malaysian AIDS Council’s Drug Policy Programme, brought together policymakers, health experts, and civil society groups to discuss the sensitive topic.
Organisers said they expect the summit’s findings to be submitted to the new committee for consideration.
