The government will consider the suggestion by a Barisan Nasional (BN) parliamentarian to implant microchips in drug traffickers and addicts to detect and monitor them effectively.

"At this stage, the ministry has no plans to install this microchip on drug traffickers and addicts...," Deputy Internal Security Minister Noh Omar told an extended Dewan Rakyat sitting last night.

"Nonetheless, the government will need to deliberate and study the suggestion in depth to ascertain its suitability and effect, as well as its legal and financial implications," he added during his ministerial reply.

The suggestion to implant the microchips was made by Baharum Mohamed (BN-Sekijang).

As the deputy minister was responding, Badruddin Amiruldin (BN-Jerai) interrupted and said he was curious as to where the government wanted to place the microchip as the addicts only "have skulls and bones" left.

"That's why we have to further study this suggestion and also see how it would not violate a person's liberty," replied Noh.

National drugs information

At present, he said the national anti-drugs agency used a system known as the 'national anti-drugs information' to record information and profiles of identified drug addicts in the country.

As for drug traffickers that were not charged in court, they were detained under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Preventive Measures)1985 which allows for detention without trial.

The government has embarked on various campaigns to promote public awareness in combating drugs, including a series of debates on the state-owned RTM television station and a nationwide anti-drugs campaign, which was later criticised for ' missing the mark '.

Last year, 38,672 addicts were identified, of whom 28,052 were between the ages of 19 and 30 while 1,255 were between 13 and 18. There were 19,810 new addicts, while 18,862 were repeat offenders.

Police commission's report

Meanwhile, Noh refused to comment on Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang's (DAP-Ipoh Timot) request to table the Police Royal Commission's report to the House in the next parliamentary sitting.

The deputy minister said the government will make the decision after receiving a copy of the report. He noted that the report is to be submitted to the King.

The commission was granted a three-month extension until May to submit its report since complaints and suggestions were still pouring in.