Prisons Department marks 235 years with focus on reforms
Commissioner General of Prisons Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak said the agenda is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the prison system in line with a more humane and rehabilitative approach to justice.
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The Star
28-07-2025
- The Star
Offenders compulsory attendance order to reduce prison overcrowding, says Shamsul Anuar
KUALA LUMPUR: The Offenders Compulsory Attendance (Amendment) Bill 2025, that passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (July 28), aims to reduce prison overcrowding among other matters, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah says. The bill, among others, would allow Offenders Compulsory Attendance (PKW) to be given to offenders convicted of offences punishable by imprisonment of not more than 10 years, compared to the current imprisonment of not more than three years. Dr Shamsul said Malaysian Prisons Department statistics as of July 22 showed that there were 83,827 people in prison facilities, while 5,759 were undergoing rehabilitation in the community. "If you look at the actual capacity, the department's facilities can accommodate only 76,311 prisoners," he said when winding up the debate on the bill. Shamsul Anuar said the issue of prison overcrowding could cause an unconducive environment and have negative implications, such as the risk of spreading diseases among prisoners and prison staff. In addition, it could reduce the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes, security risks due to unusual events such as riots and strikes, as well as worsen the government's financial burden. Meanwhile, Shamsul Anuar said that from 2010 to date, a total of 8,227 offenders have undergone PKW with a success rate of 94.5%, while only 5.25% had their orders cancelled. He said among the modules implemented through PKW were intervention programmes, spirituality, counselling, religion and related courses. The sitting continues on Tuesday. - Bernama
Barnama
28-07-2025
- Barnama
Offenders Compulsory Attendance Order To Reduce Prison Overcrowding
KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- The Offenders Compulsory Attendance (Amendment) Bill 2025 passed in the Dewan Rakyat today, among other things, aims to reduce prison overcrowding, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah. He said based on statistics on the number of prisoners under the Malaysian Prisons Department as of July 22, a total of 83,827 people were in prison facilities, while another 5,759 were undergoing rehabilitation in the community. "If you look at the actual capacity, Malaysian Prisons Department facilities can accommodate only 76,311 prisoners," he said when winding up the debate on the bill. Shamsul Anuar said the issue of prison overcrowding could cause an unconducive environment and have negative implications such as the risk of spreading diseases among prisoners and prison staff. In addition, it could reduce the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes, security risks due to unusual events such as riots and strikes, as well as increasing the government's financial burden. The bill, among others, is to allow Offenders Compulsory Attendance (PKW) to be given to offenders convicted of offences punishable by imprisonment of not more than 10 years, compared to the current imprisonment of not more than three years. Meanwhile, Shamsul Anuar said from 2010 to date, a total of 8,227 offenders have undergone PKW with a success rate of 94.5 per cent, while only 5.25 per cent had their orders cancelled. He said among the modules implemented through PKW were intervention programmes, spirituality, counselling, religion and related courses. The sitting continues tomorrow.
The Sun
03-06-2025
- The Sun
555 inmates released on licence ahead of Aidiladha
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 555 inmates nationwide were released today under the Ihsan MADANI Licensed Prisoner Release Programme (PBSL) in conjunction with the upcoming Aidiladha celebration. In a statement today, the Malaysian Prisons Department said that the initiative aims to provide eligible inmates with the opportunity to reunite with their families and reintegrate into society, in line with national rehabilitation and social reintegration efforts. Johor recorded the highest number of releases with 83 inmates, followed by Sabah (82), Sarawak (68), Terengganu (67), Pahang (54), Selangor (51), Penang (45), Kedah (28), Perak and Negeri Sembilan (25 each), Perlis (15) and Kelantan (12). 'The programme is carried out in conjunction with national festive celebrations to support the rehabilitation process and encourage the successful reintegration of eligible prospects into society,' the department said. Including previous releases granted during Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Kaamatan and Gawai, a total of 1,934 inmates have benefited from PBSL so far this year. Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 57,779 inmates were released under the scheme, with 2024 marking the highest annual figure at 20,578, followed by 2023 (15,180), 2022 (8,412), 2021 (3,517) and 2020 (1,938). PBSL is available to inmates serving prison sentences of under three years, as well as to vulnerable groups and pregnant women serving terms of less than four years. To qualify, inmates must have completed rehabilitation programmes, demonstrated good behaviour and secured a suitable guarantor.
