Justice for Sisters calls on the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to adopt higher ethical standards, non-discriminatory practices, and a stronger public health approach in handling and communicating cases to the public, particularly those involving LGBTQ persons and substance use. 

We refer to a recent PDRM statement dated 25 May, titled “Kejayaan Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah Narkotik Polis Diraja Malaysia dalam menumpaskan aktiviti penyalahgunaan dadah dan aktiviti tidak bermoral (private party),” [The success of the Royal Malaysian Police Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department in cracking down on drug abuse and immoral activities] concerning a raid on a private party where a person reportedly died.

We are deeply concerned by the PDRM’s use of stigmatising language and the ongoing bias against LGBTQ people, reflected in the description of the private gathering involving LGBTQ persons as “immoral activities”. The framing of the operation as a “crackdown on misuse of substances and immoral activities” is not only highly discriminatory, but also inconsistent with the government’s stated commitments to human rights and public health approach to drug-related issues.

The lack of a public health approach in this case is deeply concerning. In light of the tragic death that occurred, the police must exercise greater sensitivity and adopt a stronger harm reduction and public health approach to ensure that those who use substances recreationally are able to make safe and informed decisions, while also having access to support services where needed. The celebratory tone of the media statement lacks sensitivity to the death that occurred.

The PDRM has been working closely with civil society organisations and other government agencies, including the Malaysian AIDS Council and the Ministry of Health, towards drug policy reform and the decriminalisation of drug use, particularly possession and consumption for personal use. In this raid, 51 people were arrested and investigated under various provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Act, including self-administration of substances under Section 15(1)(a) and possession under Section 39A(1). Additionally, some are reportedly being investigated under Section 39B for drug trafficking and Section 12(2) related to importing and exporting substances. 

At the Drug Policy Summit 2025, Global Commission on Drug Policy commissioner Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman noted that 85 per cent of drug-related arrests in 2023 were linked to suspected drug use or minor possession offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (Act 234), while only 15 per cent involved supply or trafficking offences. She further noted that Malaysia’s drug laws blur the distinction between trafficking and personal use without recognising the spectrum of drug use. Evidence consistently shows that punitive drug laws do not reduce drug use but instead fuel stigma, discrimination, and health-related harms.

We remind the PDRM that the “crackdown” approach to substance use has resulted in widespread human rights violations and broader systemic harms, including arbitrary arrest and detention, cruel and degrading treatment, unnecessary incarceration, and prison overcrowding. Reports indicate that the government spent approximately RM1.15 billion on prison costs for drug-related offences as of September 2024. This amount is reportedly equivalent to hiring approximately 5,000 specialist doctors to help reduce waiting times at public hospitals.

PDRM’s call for the public to report drug-related activities raises further concerns. Such approaches risk promoting surveillance and fear, undermining efforts to establish a health-centred, rights-based response. In line with international human rights standards, the government’s response to substance use must prioritise health, support, and harm reduction, instead of surveillance, fear, and punitive enforcement. 

Justice for Sisters urges the PDRM to align its practices and communication with human rights principles, evidence-based drug policy, and non-discriminatory language that respects the dignity and rights of all persons.