MALAYSIAN COUNTRY REPORT ASEAN INTER PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY (AIPA) FACT FINDING COMMITTEE MEETING ON COMBATING DRUGS 2015

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1 MALAYSIAN COUNTRY REPORT ASEAN INTER PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY (AIPA) FACT FINDING COMMITTEE MEETING ON COMBATING DRUGS INTRODUCTION The Dadah (illicit drugs) problem is one of the main threats to the national security. This threat has prompted the government to declare an on-going war against the drug menace and on 19 February 1983 announced that illicit drug is the nation s Number One Enemy. Drug trafficking is a serious problem that continues to plague most nations, including Malaysia. It poses serious threat to the social and economic structures, as well as to the health and well-being of the people. The epidemic of drug abusers and its associated problems have spread and affected almost all countries of the world. Malaysia s strategic geographical location, good infrastructures, effective communication networks, vibrant trading, tourism and education industries have attracted and been taken advantage by traffickers and drug barons to use it as both a destination and a transit hub. The international drug syndicates appear not only to use Malaysia as transit point but now are also attempt to produce drugs, particularly ATS in kitchen labs most of which is for export. The political commitment to fight the drugs scourge was long enhanced with the setting up of the Cabinet Committee on the Eradication of Drugs which is the highest body in the country to coordinate the Implementation of Policy to Combat the Drug Menace. The Committee is chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and the committee is represented by fourteen (14) Cabinet Ministers, the Chief Secretary to the Government, the Attorney General, the Army and 1

2 Police Chiefs, the Director General of Public Service with the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Home Affairs as the Secretary. 2. BACKGROUND ON THE ROLE OF ANTI-NARCOTICS AGENCIES IN MALAYSIA 2.1 The National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs is the lead agency responsible for drug demand reduction initiatives by providing drug treatment and rehabilitation services, implementing drug preventive education campaigns/programmes as well as detection and supervision of drug dependants and recovering persons. 2.2 The Narcotics Crime and Investigations Department (NCID) of the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) is the main agency for drug supply reduction by enforcing anti-drug laws. The Royal Malaysian Customs is also involved in enforcing the anti-drug laws and the task is carried out by its Narcotics Division. 2.3 The Pharmaceutical Services Division of the Ministry of Health Malaysia enforces the Poisons Act 1952 which controls the sale, import and export of poisons, precursors and essential chemicals. 3. OVERVIEW OF THE DRUG LAWS AND LEGISLATIONS Drug legislation in Malaysia is comprehensive and covers both prevention and treatment and rehabilitation as well as drug enforcement. This reflects the seriousness of the national efforts to curb drug trafficking and drug abuse. The existing laws are continuously reviewed to identify weaknesses and consequently enhance their effectiveness. 2

3 3.1 Malaysia s drug laws are found in six (6) major statutes. They are: i. The Dangerous Drugs Act 1952; ii. The Poisons Act 1952; iii. The Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983; iv. The Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985; v. The Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988; and vi. The National Anti-Drugs Agency Act The Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 The Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (DDA 1952) represents the major legislation in relation to drug control in Malaysia. This Act is very extensive and covers aspects of offences, procedures and evidence. Among others, it provides mandatory death sentence for drug trafficking offences. This legislation has been amended several times in order to keep abreast with the upsurge in the drug trafficking and drug abuse situation The Poisons Act 1952 The Poisons Act 1952 is aimed at controlling the import and sale of poisons. The term Poisons refers to any substance specified in the Poisons List and includes any mixture, preparation, solution or natural substance containing such substance other than an exempted preparation or an article or preparation included for the time being in the Second Schedule of the Act. The control of any drug that does not appear under the First Schedule of the DDA 1952 would be controlled under this Act. 3

4 3.1.3 The Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 The Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 provides for compulsory treatment and rehabilitation, either in the treatment centre or in the community, to any person who has been confirmed as drug dependant. There is also provision for voluntary treatment and rehabilitation in the centre as well as in the community. The period of treatment and rehabilitation at the treatment centre is for two (2) years and is followed by aftercare for another two (2) years The Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 This preventive detention law that came into force on 15 June 1985 is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of countermeasures taken by the relevant authorities against those who are involved in drug trafficking. It empowers the government to detain anyone suspected of being a trafficker without having to bring the suspect to any court of law The Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988 Drug trafficking in the country remains rampant despite the provision for mandatory death sentence on those convicted for drug trafficking. Despite the penalty, many are still willing to take the risks because drug trafficking remains lucrative. In cognizance of this, the Government has introduced the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988, which came into force on 10 June It empowers the relevant authorities to trace, freeze and forfeit assets of convicted drug traffickers. 4

5 3.1.6 The National Anti-Drugs Agency Act 2004 The National Anti-Drugs Agency Act 2004 provides for the establishment of the agency. It confers powers upon officers of the National Anti-Drugs Agency to perform preventive, treatment, rehabilitation, enforcement, investigation, special preventive measures, forfeiture of property and administrative functions with respect to offences under the relevant acts. The functions and powers of the Agency are elucidated in Section 6 of the Act. 3.2 Cabinet Committee on the Eradication of Drugs and its Sub- Committees The Cabinet Committee on the Eradication of Drugs was established in 2004 under the directive of the Prime Minister. Under this Committee, currently there are three (3) Sub-Committees. The aim of these committees is to oversee and review the implementation of the National Drug Control Strategy and to ensure its effective implementation. The three sub-committees act as the working group and suggest new policies for implementation or reviews existing policies. The Cabinet Committee makes the final decision on any changes in policy. The three (3) Sub-committees currently focusing on the core areas are: i. Prevention Education and Publicity chaired by the Minister of Communication and Multimedia ii. Law Enforcement chaired by the Minister of Home Affairs. iii. Treatment and Rehabilitation chaired by the Minister of Health This system is replicated at the state level and reaches into the district level. By a directive issued by the Prime Minister in April 2007, Members 5

6 of Parliament can chair meetings at the district level committees, and thus play an important role at the local community to prevent drug abuse. 4. MALAYSIA DRUG SITUATION IN SUPPLY REDUCTION In addressing drug issues, Malaysia realizes that it needs to strike a balance between supply reduction and demand reduction. Supply reduction is an essential component of a well-balanced strategic approach to drug control. When illegal drugs are readily available, the likelihood increases that they will be abused. Malaysia drug situation is under control with regular detection and disruption of drug trafficking syndicates networks, dismantling of clandestine laboratories, seizures of drugs and illegal proceeds of drug trafficking by NCID and other law enforcement authorities in Malaysia. Extensive air and maritime traffic to and through Malaysia create high potential for traffickers to use Malaysia as a transit point for narcotics moving from and to other countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Indonesia and Australia via parcels, maritime containers, and air cargo. The trafficking of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) into Malaysia for domestic use and as a transit location for international markets remains a problem. A large share of the crystalline methamphetamine trafficked to Malaysia originates from Iran. Significant quantities of crystalline methamphetamine and ecstasy are also manufactured domestically in clandestine laboratories using precursors and essential chemicals smuggled into the country or diverted from licit trade. In addition, there is continued illicit Nimetazepam (Erimin 5) manufacture in Malaysia. 6

7 In 2014, a total of 26 ATS clandestine ATS manufacturing laboratories were dismantled, including 13 crystalline methamphetamine facilities, 5 ecstasy facilities and 8 heroin facilities. Large quantities of methamphetamine are also smuggled into the country, primarily from Iran. Most of the methamphetamine pills or Ya Ba and some of the crystalline methamphetamine found in Malaysia continues to originate from Myanmar, a portion which is smuggled into Malaysia from Thailand via land route. West African drug trafficking syndicates smuggle ecstasy, methamphetamine, heroin, cannabis and also attempts at smuggling cocaine into and through Malaysia by using land and air passenger couriers and also sea cargo consignments. They also send methamphetamine and heroin to Malaysia in parcel post for further trafficking markets in Asia and the Pacific. Nigerian drug trafficking syndicates are also involved in the smuggling of cannabis overland from Thailand into Malaysia. The Royal Malaysia Police has kept up vigorous enforcement against all drug offenders which in 2014 saw a decrease in the number of drug abusers arrested and drugs seized. Even though overall statistic of arrest and seizure of drugs decreased in 2014, it is untimely to say that the Malaysia drug situation has improved ARREST OF DRUG OFFENDERS The development of ATS drug such as methamphetamine, which was a big market and offer high profits, contributes to the higher prices in Malaysia. This makes Malaysia particularly attractive for the operation of international drug trafficking syndicates thus presenting a big challenge for the enforcement agencies in Malaysia. 7

8 The primary drug used in Malaysia remains to be heroin. After heroin, methamphetamine is the second type of drug commonly used in Malaysia. The use of ATS such as methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs has substantially increased in recent years. ATS is the most commonly used drug type among new drug users and drug users arrested for the first time. After that, cannabis is number three. In 2013, ketum or kratom is the fourth commonly substance being detected, according to the Department of Chemistry. Ketum and ketamine are the most commonly used new psychoactive substance (NPS) in Malaysia. NPS are psychoactive substances, natural or synthetic, which are not scheduled yet under the international drug conventions, which makes them legal to be used (internationally), hence the name legal highs comes about. Currently, the government is in the final process of scheduling ketum under the Dangerous Drugs Act (1952). NCID continues to be stringent and vigilant in arresting individuals involved in drug related offences. Actions to enhance and adapt strategy against drugs had been taken to deal with the evolving environment and its new challenges. In 2014 there were 174,427 persons arrested for drug related offences which was a 0.4% decrease from 175,198 in Despite this, NCID arrested a total of 36,859 drug users in 2014, an increase of 17% from the 31,389 drug users arrested in The total arrest of those who were major narcotics dealers behind syndicated operations also saw an increase of 18% or 16,193 than 13,667 in It can be summarised that the significant increase of the arrest of drug offenders in supply and demand reduction in 2014 is the result of Royal Malaysia Police enforcement strategy which focuses on high impact operation and high value target. 8

9 4.1.2 DRUGS SEIZURES The presence of heroin and methamphetamine remain significant in Malaysia. RMP vigorous enforcement efforts have steadily produced success in 2014 resulted in significant decrease in seizure of most illicit drugs. The drugs seized for 2014 were estimated to be worth RM million or -41% lower than the seizures in Liquid methamphetamine showed significant increase of 1,260 kg or 1,481% higher than that seized in the same period of 2013 followed by Psychotropic and Ecstasy pills. There is also a significant increase in seizure of Yaba pills, Erimin 5 pills, kratom (mitragynine) leaves and cocaine while seizure of other types of drugs decreased as tabulated at Table 1. Seizure of kratom (mitragynine) continues to increase. Currently under the Malaysian law, cultivation of kratom is not illegal. However, mitragynine alkaloids found in kratom leaves are controlled under the Poison Act Currently, Malaysia is in the process of amending the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 to strengthen control of kratom by making its cultivation and trafficking illegal MEASURES AND INITIATIVES Among the latest measures taken by the Royal Malaysia Police is the commissioning of the Special Tactics and Intelligence Narcotic Group (STING) which has been tasked to investigate and arrest of the drug kingpins, local and international including drug smuggling syndicates. The squad is part of the measures in curbing drug related activities and crimes in the country. 9

10 Table 1: Seizure of drugs in 2014 TYPES OF DRUG % CHANGE IN SEIZURE ESTIMATED VALUE HEROIN % RM 26,404, METHAMPHETAMINE (SYABU) METHAMPHETAMINE (LIQUID SYABU) YABA (METH IN TABLETS / PILL) 1, % RM 144,723, ,260 1,481% 524, ,336 6% RM 22,293, CANNABIS % RM 1,734, ECSTASY POWDER % RM 5,369, ECSTASY PILL 335, ,702-65% RM 7,062, COCAINE % RM 6,680, ERIMIN 5 PILL 177, , % RM 9,342, PSYCHOTROPIC PILL LIQUID MITRAGYNINE MITRAGYNINE LEAVES 85,772 1,024, % RM 6,149, , lt 45, lt 23% RM 227, , , % RM 543, While for the drug analysis for enforcement and intelligence operations, Department of Chemistry Malaysia (DOCM), an independent agency is providing the scientific services to support the law enforcement agencies namely the Royal Malaysia Police and the Royal Malaysia Custom. The routine analyses performed by DOCM for prosecuting purposes are 10

11 identification and quantization of drugs and precursors. However, DOCM has also developed methods for profiling of heroin and methamphetamine. Through the Pharmaceutical Services Division of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia has introduced a system to control substances such as narcotics, psychotropic substances for medical treatment and industrial purposes. This integrates the substances (narcotics, psychotropic and precursors) control via online permit, license and authorization application/issuance and shares this information with the country s drug enforcement agencies. 4.2 DEMAND REDUCTION The aims of the National Policy on Drugs in Malaysia are to eliminate the demand and supply of drugs in creating drug-free family, drug-free learning institution, drug-free workplace and drug-free community. The National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA) believes that prevention strategy is the most effective method and solution to overcome the problems of drug abuse. NADA has also been proactive in offering treatment and rehabilitation services in a voluntary manner. Moreover, in view of the current increase in new drugs which is distressing, NADA has planned to create a number of approaches that are consistent with current drug situation DRUG PREVENTION PROGRAMS In line with ASEAN Drug-Free 2015 target, NADA has outlined few strategies. Besides preventive education and public awareness strategies, 11

12 volunteerism program through the 1Malaysia SQUAD is another important strategy undertaken by NADA. Another strategy is focused prevention programs. Preventing drug use before it begins is the most cost-effective, common-sense approach to promoting safe and healthy communities. Starting from January 2014, NADA has set a new strategy for an effective delivery of drug education including the concept and context for the promotion of health and wellbeing as a major outcome of drug prevention. Drug prevention is seen within a context of addressing the factors that can contribute to a person abusing drugs. These can vary from person to person and range from issues such as availability and price to an individual s personal and social environment, condition or environment factors that can lead to drug abuse problems. Different ways of preventing drug use or abuse are proposed according to selected high risk areas and targeted group of people with different approach or solution that meets all needs. Focused prevention measures are planned and conducted at the selected high risk areas with the cooperation of local community to tackle problems according to the needs of that particular area. This approach is in accordance with NADA Act 2004 section 6 (g): to educate the public against dangerous drugs and 6(h): to seek and foster public support in combating drug misuse. The objectives of the new approach are as follows: i. Implementation of prevention programs will be conducted by the local community in which the agency would be a reference to a strategic and/or smart partner in matters related to drug problems in high risk areas; 12

13 ii. iii. Drug prevention program will be implemented in areas classified as high-risk areas and the frequency of the programs depends on the action plan determined by the executive committee of prevention programs; and The main purpose of the program implemented is to achieve outcomes based on predetermined indicators. Focused prevention program approach is designed based on the profiling information through Geographic Information System (GIS). Through the system, the scope of the target area is classified as an ordinary area, risky or high risk. The selection of areas is determined by the State Director, taking into account the following factors: i. Number of people under police supervision (drug abuse related cases) in that area ii. iii. iv. Crime rates Number of complaints Number of new drug user v. Settlements and economics The program is designed to focus on the target group and is geared to the needs of the community and area. Implementation of the program is focused on outcome indicators. Phases of focused prevention program approach: i. Building a communication network coordination Meetings with strategic and smart partners to collect data and information 13

14 ii Involving local leaders and empowering them to conduct the focused prevention programs Create an acting committee involving smart and strategic partners. iii Profiling of the selected high risk area Information of the selected high risk area. analyze the risk factors and protective factors identified. refer profiling criteria stated in the strategic approach for prevention program. iv. Building a community action plan Using information collected by the committee, community action plans should be in place to facilitate the implementation of prevention programs in that area. Implement focused prevention programs according to action plans and policies of the local community that have been proven effective. v. Evaluating program outcomes based on indicators being set Record all relevant feedback in order to evaluate program's effectiveness. Record all attendance of the focused prevention program. Record all program activities been implemented and feedback from participants on the activities been carried out. 14

15 Gather views and perceptions of the local community towards focused prevention program Outcome Indicators (for program monitoring & evaluation): i. Increase in the target group for treatment / services. ii. iii. iv. Increase in number of abusers among adolescents and youth seeking treatment and rehabilitation services. Increase in number of community participation in prevention programs (application and invitation, participation in the program and public engagement). Increase in number of anti-drug volunteers. v. Participants, leaders, anti-drug volunteers, teachers, community and clients and family members give positive testimonials. The new approach NADA implementing now can be labelled as a comprehensive, culturally sensitive and a well-planned drug abuse prevention plan which involves young people and includes communitywide prevention activities. Methods and activities addressed multiple domains: individual, peer, family, school, community and society as well as multiple risk factors that were taken into consideration in the planning of focused prevention programs DRUG TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS Malaysia is one of the few countries in the region that has developed a compulsory treatment and rehabilitation (T&R) program for drug dependants. The objective of the treatment and rehabilitation program is to enable drug dependants to overcome the physical and psychological 15

16 addiction to drugs and to thereafter live a drug-free lifestyle. Another type of treatment and rehabilitation program is in the form of open access service which is known as 1Malaysia Cure & Care Clinic. In term of type of setting, the National Anti-Drug Agency has two types of programs: residential/in-house treatment programs and in-community treatment programs. Residential/in-house treatment programs are: Cure & Care Rehabilitation Centre (CCRC) a compulsory treatment center for drug abuse 1Malaysia Cure & Care Clinic (C & C Clinic) a voluntary open-access service treatment center Cure & Care Vocational Centre (CCVC) a treatment center focusing on vocational training In-community treatment programs are: Cure & Care Service Centre (CCSC) a mini center which provides different services for the recovering persons, the family and the public in general; Caring Community House (CCH) a community-based program which engages the community and the recovering substance users; and NADA District Office provides several services to the recovering persons including counseling, support-group meetings, etc. A suspected addict can be detained for a period of 14 days for urine and medical examination to ascertain his status. If he is confirmed to be an addict, the magistrate can either sentence him, based on the 16

17 recommendation in the social report prepared by the Anti-Drugs Officer, to undergo an institutional treatment program or place him under the supervision of a Rehabilitation Officer/Anti-Drug Officer in the community. There are about 5,752 drug dependants who are undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the 21 Cure & Care Rehabilitation Centre (CCRC) in The National Anti-Drug Agency has introduced a new approach from institutionalized rehabilitation to an open approach (open access services) with the setting up of the 1Malaysia Cure & Care Clinic (C&C Clinic) in July As of July 2010 until December 2014, a total of 48,202 clients visited and received various services at the 1Malaysia C&C Clinic throughout the country. A total of 15,991 clients undergo the inpatient treatment, 13,549 clients received outpatient treatment and 18,662 peoples visited 1Malaysia C&C Clinic for advocacy. The government has established twelve (12) 1Malaysia C&C Clinics since the first clinic started operation at the end of The role and functions of these centres are as follows: i. Provides open access services to drug dependants, drug users, codependant, employers and individuals with drug problems to seek treatment and counselling from medical specialists/psychiatrists at any time; ii. Drug dependants or drug users do not have to go through the legal procedure/implications and clients come voluntarily. For in-community treatment and rehabilitation program, the agency has introduced the CCSC and CCH. In 2014, 2,510 of clients (residential) received treatment in 59 CCSCs throughout the country while 86,239 (clients and community) had received services at 78 CCHs. 17

18 The role and functions of CCSC are as follows: i. To plan and implement drug preventive programs at the district level; ii. iii. iv. To provide facilities for drug treatment and rehabilitation for volunteering drug addicts; To provide counselling and advisory services to those who require such services; To manage and determine the rehabilitation program that would best suits the clients. These clients are referred to the centre by the police or they themselves volunteering for treatment and rehabilitation; v. To provide follow-up services to those addicts who are mandated under the supervision program and also to those who have completed their program at the government treatment and rehabilitation centers. Recent Initiatives The newest model adopted by NADA in treatment and rehabilitation is the Inabah model which emphasizes on the spiritual aspect of the recovering individuals. The individual undergoing treatment program under the inabah model is required to practice certain types of religious acts of worship such as voluntary prayers, zikr etc. CCRC Sg. Ruan in Pahang has been selected to adopt this model, without neglecting the other components of psychosocial model, since March

19 Other two initiatives still in the final stage are: i. Shelter house in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur is for the homeless who are working around Kuala Lumpur. This is meant to control the situation and minimise the risk of them involving in drug use. Recovering persons who do not have a place to stay at night are also welcomed here in an effort to help them regain their lives again. This project is a joint-program between NADA and MAIWP or Islamic Religious Council of Federal Territory. ii. Baitul Islah near Serendah, Selangor is planned to be a residential service center for Muslim HIV/Aids patients with history of drug addiction. This project funded by MAIS or State of Selangor Islamic Religious Council will provide specialized services and treatment to the clients according to their specific conditions. The center will be run by MAIS. However certain programs especially which are related to drug use treatment will be provided by NADA. This center is a high-time project since many HIV/Aids patients are actually drug users. Helping HIV/Aids patients with drug-related problems without addressing their complex addiction treatment needs will not help them much, if not at all. Only male patients are accepted. The admission to the center is solely based on voluntary will. This center is expected to begin before the end of this year. 19

20 4.2.3 OVERVIEW OF THE DRUG USE SITUATION Cases Detected In 2014, a total of 21,777 addicts were detected and showed a decrease of 4.26% compared to the same period a year before (20,887 abusers). They consisted of 13,605 (62.47%) of new addicts, an increase of 0.92% compared to 13,481 of those for the same period a year before. There were 8,172 (37.53%) relapse / repeat cases detected, an increase of 10.34% over the previous year (7,406). Drug addiction cases in the last 5 years shows the pattern of up and down but stable. The highest number of drug addicts is recorded in 2010, a total of 23,462 cases. This number decreased to 21,777 in Table 2: Comparison of Drug Addicts Detected in year 2013 and 2014 STATUS OF CASE 2014 % 2013 r BETWEEN DIFFERENCE 2014/2013 MONTHLY AVERAGE 2014 New Addicts * Repeated Addicts ** 13, % 13, % 1,134 8, % 7, % 681 Total Number of Addicts 21, % 20, % 1,815 Note: * Addicts detected for the first time by the NADA System ** Addicts previously detected by the NADA System r Refers to revised data that includes under Section 38B of the DDA

21 Types of Drugs Used Table 3: Comparison of Addicts by Drug Types from TYPES OF DRUG r 2012 r 2013 r 2014 Opiate* 11,664 9,629 8,472 16,035 14,496 Opium Marijuana 3,011 2,026 1,427 1,885 1,919 Methamphetamine 4,026 7,034 4,761 2,901 4,117 ATS pills** 4, ,774 Psychotropic Pills Others*** Note: *Refers to Heroine & Morphine **Refers to Ecstacy & Amphetamine ***Includes Cocaine, Ketamine and Codeine Data on the number of drugs used are not necessarily equal to the number of drug addicts. This is because drug addicts are poly drug users. r Refers to revised data that includes under Section 38B of the DDA The drug most commonly taken by addicts in the last 5 years ( ) is the traditional drug of opiate drugs. Over 50% of drug addicts were detected using heroin and morphine. Opiate use recorded a total of 14,496 cases in 2014 to 16,035 in 2013 with a decrease about 9.60%. Meanwhile, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) and methamphetamine together recorded an increase more than 50% in 2014 compared to 2013 (Table 3) Gender, Age and Employment Status In relation to gender, 21,078 drug addicts were males while 699 cases were females. Drug addicts among youth aged years showed an increase of 5.65% from 14,853 cases in 2013 to 15,692 in As for adult above 40 years, there was a decrease of 2.95% from 5,629 in

22 to 5,463 in A total of 622 teenagers (13-18 years old) were detected in Only 2,746 cases detected were unemployed in The majority of the drug addicts detected were general workers (4,805 cases), followed by part-time workers with 4,155 cases. 5. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION 5.1 No country can fight the drug scourge alone as it is a transnational problem that respects no geographical boundaries. The drug syndicates operate across borders seeking profit at the expense of society. As for Malaysia, currently the drug syndicates are trying to leverage Malaysia s transport infrastructure and connectivity to ship drugs into and through Malaysia. 5.2 Recognising this, Malaysia, particularly the Royal Malaysia Police has stepped up collaboration with our regional and foreign counterparts by conducting several joint operations in 2014 to curb the flow of drugs into Malaysia. Bilateral, working group and operational meetings have been carried out from time to time to exchange information and intelligence. To date, much of the successes achieved were the result of a better integrations and sharing of information between RMP and its regional counterparts. 6. OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES WITH NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS, PRIVATE SECTOR AND MASS MEDIA The roles played by non-government organizations must not be underestimated and ignored. Activities with non-governmental are carried out on drug prevention 22

23 activities, aftercare and in the social reintegration of recovering substance use disorder individuals into society. For example, PEMADAM, Anti-drugs Association of Malaysia, is an NGO engaging in preventive drug education programs and activities, and PENGASIH is very active in providing treatment programs based on Therapeutic Community (TC) model to those who voluntarily seek help to treat their dependence on drugs. There are also quite a number of private treatment/rehabilitation centers/places run by NGOs but most of them are operated below the minimum standards of practice. Other community-based organisations like the local neighbourhood committees, women and youth organisations also participate in drug prevention activities. The newly formed MASAC or Malaysian Substance Abuse Council is aimed to gather all drug-related NGOs under one umbrella so as to better manage and coordinate them to become stronger partners which contribute to effective drug demand reduction interventions especially in treatment and rehabilitation. Private sector involvement is through their support to national level anti-drug campaigns and particularly in supporting drug prevention programs in the workplace. Their participation has also been encouraged through the production of posters, leaflets and billboards promoting the anti-drug messages. Media involvement in Malaysia has been through the participation of the Ministry of Information providing coverage for national and international conferences and events, launch of campaigns, as well as airing television and radio talk shows. 23

24 7. ROLE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen have important roles to play in supporting and nurturing anti-drug efforts. These measures include: i. mobilizing local resources to deal with emerging drug trends; ii. enhancing civic awareness on the dangers of drugs; iii. providing financial support; iv. supporting the social reintegration program v. providing leadership and support to community-based organizations; vi. providing networking/linkages between government and community-based organizations; and vii. helping to form links between private sector and community-based organizations; 8. CONCLUSION The government continues to improve its machinery to combat the drug problem in the country, a problem that is still considered a security problem. Malaysia believes that the only way to solve the drug problem is through multi-disciplinary approach and in partnership with all sectors of society in the country and by strengthening cooperation with its neighbouring countries. Some recommendations to be considered: 1. The existing machinery such as the Cabinet Committee on Eradication of Drugs and all its sub-committees must be strengthened and mobilized accordingly. It should not be a forum of discussion and reporting only but instead must be action-oriented and outcome-based. 2. All related agencies must work closely and place the national agenda of addressing drug problems above all others. 24

25 3. Since drug is a global problem and knows no border, cooperation across national border is crucial. International drug syndicates are far more advanced in their criminal activities and therefore the enforcement agencies among neighboring countries must cooperate closely to restrain and obstruct them. 4. Primary treatment alone is not enough. After completing the primary treatment, a social integration program will somehow determine how long the clients will remain sober. Thus, a sound reintegration program must be prioritized and put in place if one wishes to see the recovering person to be abstained from drugs for a long time and become socially functioning and productive. Malaysia will continue to cooperate with the international drug control law enforcement and other international organizations to stem illicit trafficking and use of drugs. National Anti-Drugs Agency Ministry of Home Affairs JUN