Malaysia drug rehabilitation voluntary admissions triple

Voluntary admissions for drug rehabilitation at centers operated by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) have tripled following amendments to the Drug Addicts and Drug Abuse (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983.

Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail reported that the monthly average of individuals seeking voluntary treatment has risen from 75 to 232. This increase is attributed to the decriminalization of drug users, which allows individuals to seek help without incurring a criminal record.

As of September, AADK manages approximately 45,000 clients nationwide. Of these, 2,333 individuals have come forward voluntarily. The voluntary group is divided between those receiving institutional treatment at Narcotics Addiction Recovery Centres (PUSPEN) and those participating in community-based rehabilitation programs. The Minister noted that a significant portion of those seeking voluntary help are young people.