For subscribers
Changes to Misuse of Drugs Act trigger old debate
Some say removing jail term for repeat offenders overdue, others worry deterrent effect is reduced
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Cara Wong, Lim Min Zhang
Caught and convicted the third time for abusing drugs in 2012, Mr Sivabalan Jayakodi, 48, was given a mandatory sentence of five years in jail and three strokes of the cane.
He believes his jail time took a toll on his family relationships: His wife divorced him, and the rest of his family, including his mother, brother and daughter, who was 12 years old then, gave up hope on him.
