{
  "id": 1637153,
  "title": "2,145 individuals voluntarily sought treatment under amended drug law",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/2-145-individuals-voluntarily-sought-treatment-under-amended-drug-law",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-18T04:36:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/18/2-145-individuals-voluntarily-sought-treatment-under-amended-drug-law"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Malaysia, 2,145 individuals have voluntarily sought treatment under the amended Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 since it came into effect in August last year, according to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. This figure signifies progress following the amendments and demonstrates the government's effective approach in drawing individuals involved in drug abuse to seek treatment. Out of the total number, 1,401 individuals received community-based treatment while 744 underwent institutional rehabilitation.\n\nSaifuddin emphasized the importance of prevention, enforcement, and strengthening treatment and rehabilitation elements in addressing drug abuse. He called for continued focus on these aspects, urging the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) to remain committed to prevention and enforcement, while paying due attention to treatment and rehabilitation elements. He also urged strategic cooperation with other regulatory agencies.",
  "summary": "Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says this is an indicator of success following amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "2,145 individuals voluntarily sought treatment under amended drug law",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/2-145-individuals-voluntarily-sought-treatment-under-amended-drug-law-1637288",
        "published": "2026-08-18T04:36:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}