There is strong public support for the RESCUE drug testing scheme, Action Committee Against Narcotics Chairman Prof Daniel Shek said today, adding the Government should continue to engage relevant parties and work out specifics.
Briefing reporters on the conclusions and recommendations of a recent public consultation on the scheme, Prof Shek said the committee afterwards commissioned Hong Kong University’s Public Opinion Programme to conduct an opinion poll on the scheme.
More than 90% of opinion poll respondents supported it, and 61% believed it would be effective in identifying drug abusers at an early stage and referring them to treatment.
During the four-month consultation period, the committee received about 2,800 submissions, with about 45% in support of the scheme and 54% opposed, he added.
Supporters noted that the scheme intended to help drug abusers and would be an effective early intervention, while opponents were concerned about human rights infringement and possible abuse by law-enforcement officers, Prof Shek said.
The committee recommended the Government roll out proposals for operational details in a second-stage public consultation as soon as practicable, and examine ways to minimise concerns over human rights infringement and civil liberties.
The Narcotics Division agreed with the committee’s conclusion and recommendations, and said it will consider and address public views in formulating the scheme's specific proposals.
The division will work with the committee to dispel fears and build understanding through research, pilot projects and overseas experts' experience sharing.
