By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 9: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng personally does not “look forward to” the legalisation of cannabis or marijuana in Malaysia, considering the severe and dangerous consequences of drug abuse and addiction that the country will have to bear.
While it is easy to actualise a policy, Wee warned that the most complicated is monitoring, implementing, and enforcing the law and regulations.
“Is the government ready to do this to ensure that it will not be abused, that it will not be a threat to society, and that the young generation will not be put at risk?
“While many people have their opinions on this matter, I feel that it is difficult at this stage to see the pros on medical and economic benefits but neglecting the cons on social and health problems,” he shared during his WeeShallTalk live session with the community today.
He commented on the news reports that the Malaysian government is considering legalising cannabis, including cultivation for medical use, which has recently put the country under the spotlight.
This came after Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to decriminalise cannabis and a drug native to the region known as ‘ketum’ for medical use. According to news reports, the industry has drawn interest from companies large and small, attracting more than 1.2 billion baht (RM154.2 million) of investment as they aim to cash in on the legalised cultivation and use of the plants.
Wee pointed out that cannabis is still classified as a narcotic under the Dangerous Drugs Act, with those caught trafficking or possessing more than 200 grammes will face the death penalty.
“For me, a narcotic drug means it will cause addiction, which is my biggest concern. So I feel that the legalisation of cannabis is not something we should look forward to unless the government can ensure they will be able to monitor the entire operation and law enforcement,” he said.
Referring to the opium wars in the 18th century, he warned that the increase in opium addiction and importation had caused severe social and economic disruption, leading to the decline and later seeing the Qing Dynasty being toppled.
“There are many other potentials in the agriculture sector, so why should we go into cannabis cultivation?
“This must be seriously considered before implementation. We hope lawmakers will be wise and think ahead for the people and country instead of blindly following the trend. If this will harm our people and country, despite the economic benefits, I don’t think we should do it,” he added. — DayakDaily
