Law enforcement action committee meeting was held in 21st July 2020 chaired by the Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin. The committee plan to replace the Drug Dependents (Treatment & Rehabilitation) Act 1983 (Act 283) with the Drugs and Substance Abuse Act 2020.
The current Act 1983 provides an opportunity for users who got arrested for drug-related to integrate a two-year mandatory treatment program at a Cure and Care Rehabilitation Centre (CCRC) or be given a two-year supervision order in the community. The center is managed by Agensi Anti-Dadah Kebangsaan (AADK) that comes under the supervision of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Beside the mandatory rehabilitation center, since 2010, AADK establishes a new priority that allows drug users and their families to come to treatment centre, called Cure and Care Clinic (C&C) voluntarily without having to go through legal procedures and free of legal implications.
This voluntary treatment services are accessible to all drug users without having to wait to be arrested and admitted. As seen here, the Ministry of Home Affairs through AADK has been striving to provide a comprehensive range of treatment and rehabilitation and support services to meet the needs of social care of drug users.
It is hoped that the new Drugs and Substance Abuse Act 2020 will not only increase access of drug treatment and rehabilitation for drug users, but also their family who got affected by the disease. Drug treatment and rehabilitation should not only be focusing on treating drug users to recover, but it should extend to their significant others who have been traumatic in coping with substance abuse problems. Therefore, the new Act will not be relied on harsh punitive measures, but appropriate help is also provided.
Drug abuse doesn’t exist in isolation—it pulls in everyone close to the individual, often leaving families frayed and emotional wounds unattended. While traditional treatment programs focus on the individual, real recovery asks for more: emotional repair, reconnection, and a new framework for living. For many men in particular, healing can’t happen solely within four walls. They need movement, challenge, and space to breathe.
That’s where adventure therapy can be transformative. It shifts the process from passive to active—using nature, physical exertion, and teamwork to rebuild self-esteem, trust, and resilience. Whether it’s hiking through rugged terrain or facing fears on a ropes course, these moments provide more than just adrenaline—they spark introspection and growth. Coupled with clinical care and a structured drug detox, this approach provides a well-rounded path back to wellness. Because sometimes, to reclaim your life, you have to step out of your comfort zone and take the hard road back—with purpose.
The new Act will change the narration of drug users in Malaysia and this is in line with the government’s intention to view them as patients and not merely as criminals.
Even with laws shifting toward rehabilitation, the reality remains that influence, circumstance, or poor decisions can still lead someone into criminal activity. When situations escalate, what starts as a momentary lapse can quickly become a legal complication, leaving individuals vulnerable to serious consequences. That’s where criminal defence lawyers Perth come in—they help navigate the complexities of the legal system, challenge evidence when appropriate, and ensure that every step of the defense is handled with care. In moments where lives can be upended by a single misstep, having knowledgeable guidance can make all the difference between lasting repercussions and a path toward resolution.
And while the courtroom may provide clarity on the legal front, real healing begins once the immediate crisis has passed. For those struggling with substance dependence, meaningful recovery requires more than willpower—it calls for structure, accountability, and support systems that can stand the test of time.
Many treatment centers recognize this and offer a carefully designed list of their programs that blend therapy, education, and community living to address not just the physical grip of addiction but also the emotional scars it leaves behind. When legal resolution is paired with an intentional commitment to recovery, the journey forward is no longer about punishment but about rebuilding a life with dignity, strength, and hope.