KUALA LUMPUR: The Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (DDA) has to be revamped to tackle digitally driven drug syndicates, said the federal anti-narcotics chief.
Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said while the DDA has long served as a strong legal framework in Malaysia’s battle against narcotics, its limitations were becoming apparent in the face of modern, digitally driven drug syndicates.
He said the DDA was drafted in an era that did not anticipate the emergence of online platforms, encrypted communications and dark net market places — tools that now allow traffickers to operate with anonymity and expand their reach across borders.
“The DDA remains robust for traditional drug-related offences.
“However, we must recognise that traffickers today exploit technology to carry out crypto-based transactions, run online solicitations and establish cross-border virtual supply chains,” Hussein told the New Straits Times.
He said Malaysia’s legislative framework must evolve to ensure its continued relevance.
“There is a pressing need to review and strengthen the act. Legislative reforms should address the digital dimensions of drug trafficking while upholding due process safeguards.
“Only by adapting to these evolving threats can the DDA remain a comprehensive and effective instrument in the fight against narcotics.”
Hussein welcomed the home minister’s recent announcement on the review of laws to curb online drug trafficking, describing it as a timely and commendable step.
“This reflects the government’s recognition of the rapidly evolving digital landscape in which narcotics distribution now thrives.
“Strengthening the framework to encompass cyber-enabled drug crimes will not only enhance enforcement capacity, but also demonstrate Malaysia’s commitment to staying ahead of transnational and technologically sophisticated syndicates,” he added.
In August, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government was studying the need to amend existing laws or introduce new legislation to address the increasingly worrying trend of drug sales conducted online.
He said the issue was discussed during the Cabinet Committee Meeting on Combating Drug Abuse, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in June.
“During the meeting, we talked about the urgent need to examine this matter, including the possibility of amending existing laws or drafting a new law specifically to address the phenomenon of small-scale drug sales or transactions conducted via online marketing platforms.”
Saifuddin said the move was necessary as the online drug trade trend was on the rise and posed a serious threat, as drug supplies were easily accessible and transactions were conducted discreetly, adding that the issue required careful study because it involved multiple regulatory agencies.
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