Negeri sembilan: The Home Ministry has taken enforcement action against a private drug rehabilitation centre in Negeri Sembilan following a death that occurred at the facility.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the move was made possible after last year's amendment to the Drug Addicts (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act. This amendment now empowers the government to regulate and enforce compliance among private rehab centres that violate guidelines set by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).

"There was one case in Negeri Sembilan, which led to a death, action has been taken. We couldn't take any action before, but now we can. This is one of the key benefits of the amendment to the Drug Addicts Act," he stated during a press conference after officiating the AADK i-DEEN programme.

Saifuddin made these remarks in response to a special media report that alleged several unregistered private drug rehab centres were operating in violation of AADK regulations. The minister emphasized that the amendment to the Act was crucial to ensure that private rehabilitation centres adhere to proper treatment standards and protect the welfare of their residents, thereby preventing further tragedies.

On July 18, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Drug Addicts (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Bill 2024, the first amendment to the law in 20 years. The bill grants AADK the authority to recognize voluntary treatment and rehabilitation services for drug addicts, extending beyond services by medical officers.

Regarding the effectiveness of AADK's rehabilitation efforts, Saifuddin shared that the current recovery rate stands close to 80 per cent. "The agency has set an 80 per cent recovery target for the coming year. Currently, we're at around 78 to 79 per cent. If we hit 80 per cent, we can consider it a strong success rate," he added.