'House arrest needed as prisons overcrowded'
The Prisons Department supports the drafting of a house arrest law as prisons are overcrowded by more than 11 percent of their inmate capacity.
The incarceration rate in the country stood at 245 individuals per 100,000 population, compared to the global average of only 145 per 100,000.
The department revealed that prison facilities are operating at...
The Prisons Department supports the drafting of a house arrest law as prisons are overcrowded by more than 11 percent of their inmate capacity.
The department revealed that prison facilities are operating at an 11.24 percent overcapacity with 87,419 inmates.
It also noted that out of the 43 prisons nationwide, 19 had exceeded their inmate capacity by over 20 percent, especially in major cities.
The incarceration rate in the country stood at 245 individuals per 100,000 population, compared to the global average of only 145 per 100,000.
"This high rate reflects poorly on the country's image regarding public safety and well-being from an international perspective," the department said in a statement today.
During Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s presentation of Budget 2025 last month, he announced the drafting of new legislation to allow house arrest as an alternative punishment for certain offences.
Will Najib get house arrest?
However, activists have raised concerns that it might be used to release former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak from prison.
The government has denied this, clarifying that studies on the legislation began last year, including a pilot project involving 5,000 inmates.
Najib is serving a prison sentence for misappropriating RM42 million in SRC International Sdn Bhd funds.
The Prisons Department also said that the Community Rehabilitation Programme and the new alternative sentencing options could help reduce prison overcrowding, lower incarceration rates, and save government costs.
"It also provides a second chance for individuals to prove that they can still contribute to their families, communities, and the nation," it added.
The Home Ministry is expected to present further details on the new house arrest bill to the Dewan Rakyat tomorrow.
