Main Image Via The Star

Guys, you might want to hold on to your seats for this. The government is moving to decriminalize drug possession for personal use. Yes, you read that right… what we couldn’t help asking ourselves is, are we still in Malaysia?

Despite the taboo behind this subject, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad told the press "Malaysia is about to embark on a significant game-changer policy of decriminalisation of drug addicts and addiction. 

"This is not to be mistaken for legalising drugs, and I again categorically emphasise that DECRIMINALISING DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE LEGALISING DRUGS," he said in a statement during a press conference held here at Petaling Jaya. Dr Dzulkefly clarified that decriminalisation is the "removal of criminal penalties for possessing and using a small quantity of drugs for personal use, as opposed to those who are involved in trafficking of drugs".

Now, before we lose our heads over this issue there is logic behind this move by the government.

Dr Dzulkefly said that decriminalisation would be the critical next step towards achieving a rational drug policy that puts science and public health before punishment and incarceration.

Fundamentally, drug use and addiction is a complex, chronic, relapsing medical condition that has many factors driving it. Among them are genetic predisposition, socioeconomic state and the social life of an individual at home, school and in the workplace. Hence, it is difficult to reverse the biological changes that happen in a person due to continuous drug use (addiction). 

Decriminalizing drug use would bring in huge benefits in terms of saving lives and monetary expenditure spent on criminalizing personal drug use in the first place. That money can now be put to use towards curing addiction at rehab centers.

“Sending addicts to prison is not going to help anyone as it is not just a matter of weak will power.

"An addict shall be treated as a patient (not as a criminal), whose addiction is a disease we would like to cure,"  Dzulkefly said.

So far, 30 countries have adopted decriminalisation, with research showing that it has not led to decrease in drug use and drug related crimes.

"This is an important journey that we are about to undertake and we must tread on it with care and tact," Dzulkefly said.

Check out the video below to better understand addiction. Know someone with an addiction problem? Help them get help. Let’s put an end to the stigma and build a more inclusive community that helps our weakest.

Let us know your thoughts on the matter in the comments section and stay tuned with RAAGA!