KUALA LUMPUR: Putrajaya has formed a special task force to expedite the process of decriminalising drug addiction in Malaysia, says Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

According to the Muar MP, the special task force, which was formed last week following a Cabinet meeting, will consist of the Youth and Sports Ministry as well as the Chief Secretary to the Government.

Syed Saddiq said the Youth and Sports Ministry was involved because a majority of drug addicts are youths, as he cited a 2018 statistic, which stated that 18,967 youths were involved in substance dependence, as compared to 6,300 adults.

"This means that the number of youths who are addicted to drugs is three times more than adults.

"The ministry's stand during the Cabinet and special task force meeting is for us to separate the treatment of drug addicts and distributors, where addiction is not a crime and they should not be jailed," he said.

Syed Saddiq said a criminal conviction will destroy a youth's future, as it will hamper chances for a recovering convict to be reintegrated into society, leading to a cycle of drug addiction.

"We know that drugs are a form of escapism and when society pushes them to a corner, drugs will become an alternative for them to escape from their problems.

"It is wrong. But this is the reality at present," he told reporters during a press conference at the Parliament lobby on Tuesday (Oct 29).

Syed Saddiq also said that youths charged with drug addiction consisted mainly of the impoverished.

"Why? Because when they are caught, they couldn't afford to pay their bills and lawyer fees. As a result, a majority of them will admit guilt and be imprisoned.

"Drugs, as a form of escapism, predominantly affects those who are impoverished and living under the poverty line," he said.

The scourge of drug addiction must be addressed by rehabilitation, which is a "proactive approach to solve this issue once and for all", he added.

Syed Saddiq also appeared unfazed at prospects of facing public backlash over his commitment to ensure that drug addiction is decriminalised.

"We need to show compassion in order to solve this problem. It's a youth problem and a national problem.

"While there is social stigma and backlash, it is our responsibility to change people's hearts and minds."