KUALA LUMPUR – Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s (Muar-PH) proposal to legalise medical marijuana has received a boost from Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali (Bagan Serai-Bersatu), who acknowledged there are benefits to such a move.
During the Health Ministry's 12 Malaysia Plan (12MP) winding-up speech today, Syed Saddiq asked about the government's stance on the legalisation of medical marijuana.
He said his question was initially posed to Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, but was told to refer his queries to the deputy health minister.
“The benefits (of medical marijuana) have been discussed a lot, in fact, it has been discussed globally,” Dr Noor Azmi said.
“Even during parliamentary debates, YB Kuala Kedah talked about the benefits of kratom (ketum). But there is a lot of misuse.
“Similarly, if we eat a lot of rice, we can die; that is misuse.”
Dr Noor Azmi added the Home Ministry has also provided its views on the matter.
Yesterday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin had said the government is studying the possibility of legalising marijuana for medical purposes.
Meanwhile, on improving the nation's healthcare system, Dr Noor Azmi said that, under the 12MP's first rolling plan, the Health Ministry will be allocated RM4.3 billion for development projects.
Dr Noor Azmi said the development projects comprise 332 physical projects involving 13 new hospitals, 11 new clinics, 159 upgrading works, and 50 other projects involving the construction of district health offices and quarters.
“Under the second rolling plan, we had submitted applications for projects to the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) in March.
“This involves 121 new projects expected to cost RM4.67 billion, and we are awaiting the EPU's decision,” he added. – The Vibes, October 6, 2021
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