Kratom in the news
The Star Online, Septemper 8 , 2005Ketum trees may be spared for research
KETUM trees in Perlis will probably be spared from the axe, thanks to university researchers.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said Universiti Malaya researchers wanted the state to spare some ketum trees for research purposes.
“It is not against the law to plant ketum trees. Only those who process and sell ketum drinks would be charged under the Poisons Act 1952.
“The offenders are liable to be fined a maximum of RM10,000 or jailed four years,'' he said in reply at the state assembly to Mansor Jusoh (BN – Chuping) who wanted to know if the state government had plans to take action against ketum growers as many youths were addicted to the banned ketum drinks.
Ketum trees are abundant in Perlis and the beverage made from the leaves has an intoxicating effect.
To a question from Hashim Jasin (PAS - Sanglang), Shahidan said the state government supported the Health Ministry's free needle and condom programme for addicts.
“It is a harm reduction measure. The government merely wants to replace contaminated needles with clean ones. The condom is given where necessary,'' he said.
Shahidan also said China's move to sell marijuana in police stations should be emulated as it had succeeded in reducing the number of marijuana addicts in that country.
“Every day, the addicts make a beeline outside police stations there to buy marijuana. The daily marijuana fiesta also attracts spectators.
“The public can see for themselves who are the addicts in their midst.
“Eventually, the number of addicts in the country is reduced as they shy away from prying public eyes,'' Shahidan said.
He said he had made the suggestion to emulate China's move in Parliament when he was the Arau MP.
“But I received no reaction (then),'' he added.