Drug Use and HIV Vulnerability (UNAIDS, 2001, 238 p.): Chapter 4: Malaysia: IV. Findings: E. Evaluation of law enforcement strategies

Drug Use and HIV Vulnerability (UNAIDS, 2001, 238 p.)

Chapter 4: Malaysia

IV. Findings

		A. Patterns of drug use
		B. Epidemiology of drug use
		C. Government responses to drug use
		D. Legislation and application of laws
		E. Evaluation of law enforcement strategies
		F. Risk of HIV infection in prisons
		G. Treatment and rehabilitation
		H. HIV/AIDS

E. Evaluation of law enforcement strategies

A total of 11,361 people were arrested under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, in 1996. A total of 11,361 persons were arrested under Section 39B, Trafficking in Dangerous Drugs. This represents an increase of 48.9 per cent on the previous year. The number arrested under Section 39A, increased penalty where the subject matter is the prescribed amount of certain dangerous drugs, also increased by 9.2 per cent.

It is hoped that the inclusion of methamphetamine under the control of the Dangerous Drugs Act will deter use of this drug. A study on the legitimate use of ephedrine products has also been planned with the view to discontinuing the production and sale of these products if it is found they are not essential for medical purposes. Malaysia is also considering the introduction of more stringent control over amphetamine-type stimulants in order to curtail any possible widespread increases in trafficking and use of these substances.