Kuala lumpur: The Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025 was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, when tabling the bill, said that the second reading would be presented in the current parliamentary sitting.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the blue copy of the bill circulated in Parliament outlines proposed amendments to the Poisons Act 1952 (Act 366). These amendments include changes to Section 2 of the Act, specifically in the definition of ‘authorised officer’. The term will now encompass police officers of any rank as well as individuals appointed by the Minister of Health under Section 31A.

Additionally, the bill seeks to broaden the definition of ‘premises’. This expanded definition will include any land, building or part of any building, installations on land, offshore or otherwise, and any structure, whether movable or immovable, to apply to the entire act.

The amendment introduces a new section, 31A, which will empower the Minister of Health to appoint any person as an authorised officer under Act 366.