PARLIAMENT: AT THE DEWAN RAKYAT

OFFENCES relating to kratom or daun ketum will be made on par with those involving ganja under proposed amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act.

The Bill, which was tabled in Dewan Rakyat yesterday, included a definition of kratom as a “dangerous drug”.

Among others, the proposed changes will cover restrictions on the import, export, possession and cultivation of the hallucinogenic plant.

It also makes it an offence to extract mitragynine – an alkaloid with psychoactive properties – from any part of the plant, including producing extracts or tincture of the kratom leaves.

However, the amendment provides for power to be given to the Home Minister to make regulations over the production and dealing of kratom.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya tabled the Bill for first reading.

Kratom leaves are usually boiled to make a drink and used to be considered a form of traditional medicine, but was abused by addicts, leading to the authorities banning it in July 2003.

Religious bodies from several states had issued edicts against the use of kratom.

On Oct 18, the National Association for the Prevention of Drugs (Pemadam) urged the National Fatwa Council to issue a edict barring the use of ketum leaves and juice in the country.

Mitragynine – one of the most active alkaloids present in the leaves – is currently listed under the Third Schedule of Poisons (Psychotropic Substance) Regulation 1989, Poison Ordinance 1952.