Some beauty products contain cannabis, say senator

Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah said among the products were lipsticks and lip balms.

"We can see that there are cannabis-infused lipsticks being sold at airports. You can go and check, not just lipsticks, there are cannabis-infused lip balms, lotions and perfumes too.

"Most of us don't know, we do not read...we just buy and use," he said when debating the Dangerous Drugs (Special Measures) (Amendment) Bill 2015 here Tuesday.

He said there were also reports about free distribution of drug-laced sweets, which could cause addition, to students of a school in the city recently.

As such, Mohd Suhaimi said it was hoped that the bill, once enforced, would ensure that the enforcement and security control to prevent drugs from being brought into the country would be further tightened.

His view was shared by Senator Abdul Shukor Mohd Sultan, who agreed that drugs could easily be obtained, including through the internet.

"A Member of Parliament had once likened drugs to "hot banana fritters" which can be easily and cheaply obtained. It is also easy (to get it) in my area," said Abdul Shukor who is from Perlis.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed when winding up the debate, said the government was firm on its zero-tolerance policy for drugs even though there was a move to legitimise what were dubbed as 'soft drugs' in some European countries.

"If you look at the habits of drug addicts, once the 'soft drug' loses its effect, they will look for stronger drugs, so this will encourage the use of more drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

"So, no. We do not think this (legitimising drugs) will help reduce drug addictions," he said, adding that between 2013 and 2015, police had detained 79 kingpins, 48 of whom were locals, with the total drug seizure worth RM173 million.

The bill was later passed.

Earlier, the Senate also passed the Interest Schemes Bill 2015 which aimed at providing allocation for the registration, administration and dissolution of schemes with interests and related matters.