DEPUTY Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay has proposed an amendment to the Poison Act 1952 and tthe Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, to update the list of chemicals related to drugs, aimed at improving the prosecution of drug abuse cases in courts.
Speaking at a press conference after the launch of the TimsTOF and Dart TQ devices at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Ayob Khan stated that the current list under the Act, which includes substances, needs to be expanded due to the discovery of numerous new chemicals used in the production of illicit drugs.
"Many new substances are being used in the manufacture of drugs, so it is necessary to amend and update the list within the Poison Act 1952. I believe this update will not take long," Ayob Khan said.
He explained that the update is essential as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has identified more than 1,000 dangerous substances and drugs that are prone to misuse.
Additionally, he highlighted a new trend where international criminal syndicates are bringing in foreign expertise to produce novel drugs using chemicals imported from overseas.
Between January 2024 and February 2025, the police have seized 115 tonnes of drugs worth RM1.7 billion in total, underscoring the urgent need for updated regulations and enforcement tools to tackle the growing drug trade.
On the launch of the two new forensic tools, Ayob Khan mentioned that the acquisition of the TimsTOF and Dart TQ devices, valued at RM3.9 million and RM2 million respectively, will significantly enhance the detection and identification of new drugs and substances.
These devices will aid law enforcement in staying ahead of emerging drug trends.
Following the launch, Ayob Khan attended a meeting of the Strategic Collaboration Project Steering Committee on Education and Research in Forensic Science between the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and UKM.
This collaboration is aimed at further advancing forensic science capabilities in Malaysia.
The proposed update to the Poison Act, combined with the new forensic technology, is expected to bolster efforts to combat drug-related crimes, enhance law enforcement capabilities, and streamline the legal processes for drug prosecutions in the country. – March 26, 2025
