ALOR STAR: In a move to curb the ketum drinks menace, Kedah will seize lands utilised to cultivate the herbs with immediate effect.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir yesterday said the state government would take the action under the National Land Code.

He said the code provided state governments the power to seize lands which flout usage regulation.

“For example, the state has the power to seize padi farming land which are used for ketum plantation,” he said after chairing the state executive council meeting here.

Mukhriz said the matter had been decided during a state anti-drug committee meeting on Tuesday.

He said the Land and Mining Office had identified the owners and the lands involved in large-scale ketum planting.

Mukhriz also called for the law to be amended to place ketum drinks abuse under the Dangerous Drugs Act instead of the Poison Act.

“Under the Poison Act, those caught for processing and selling ketum drinks are liable to a minimum fine, and the amount is maintained even for repeated offenders.

“We hope the amendment will be done as soon as possible.”

-NST