Latest news with #235thPrisonsDay
The Star
18-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
AGC reviewing new home detention law
A rousing start: Ramli (seated centre) and Saifuddin (on Ramli's right) witnessing the launch of the celebration at the Esplanade in George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star GEORGE TOWN: A draft to amend the Prisons Act and introduce a new law on home detention is currently under review by the Attorney General's Chambers before being tabled in Parliament. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the move would pave the way for implementing home detention as an alternative to imprisonment, especially for remand detainees and those convicted of non-serious offences. 'We will table it this year. At the policy level, it has been approved by the Cabinet. 'It is now at the stage where the Attorney General's Chambers is developing the amendment matrix,' he said after launching the 235th Prisons Day celebration in Jalan Padang Kota Lama yesterday. Saifuddin said the new Prisons Act would provide a legal framework for a more humane approach to home detention, helping to ease prison overcrowding while allowing inmates to serve their sentences within the community. 'Our current imprisonment rate is 245 per 100,000 population, compared to the global average of 145 per 100,000. 'We currently have 81,000 inmates, with 27,000 of them on remand. 'If we can filter and target those involved in minor offences, they can serve their detention at home while wearing monitoring devices,' he said. He said about 6,000 inmates were already serving their sentences in the community and the rehabilitation approach had shown positive results. 'We are shifting from a punitive model to one focused on correction and rehabilitation. 'There is a stark difference in recidivism rates, where 12 out of every 100 incarcerated individuals reoffend, compared to just one in 800 among participants in community-based programmes.' He said the government also planned to amend the Compulsory Attendance Order Act to expand its scope to include those serving up to 10 years in prison, compared to the current limit of three to four years. Saifuddin said the Step Up initiative, supported by the private sector to employ inmates through reintegration programmes, had also received strong interest. 'More than 1,225 companies participated, with some hiring 10, 30 or even up to 100 of our prospects. 'They do not need to pay levies or visa fees, and these prospects can contribute to their families,' he said. Earlier at the celebration, various exhibitions and performances, including police combat demonstrations and drama plays, were held before hundreds of visitors. Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib was present to grace the event. In his speech, Saifuddin said the Prisons Department is prepared to train 10,000 inmates this year to work in critical industries, reducing reliance on foreign labour in key sectors.
Barnama
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Draft Prison Act Amendment At AGC Stage
GEORGE TOWN, May 17 (Bernama) -- The draft of the Prison Act amendment is now at the review stage at the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) before it is expected to be tabled at a Parliament session this year. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the amendment would enable the implementation of the Compulsory Attendance Order on individuals in remand, with focus on non-major offences. 'Suggestions to amend the Act have been passed at the Cabinet level in principle and now theAGC is developing the matrix of the amendment, then we will only table it at Parliament. 'This amendment (was suggested) because currently it is only for light sentences under three years and we want to expand it to 10 years,' he said at a media conference after attending the 235th Prisons Day celebrations at Padang Kota here today. Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib officiated the event, which was also attended by Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah and Prisons General Commissioner Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak. Saifuddin Nasution also said that the Home Arrest Act would be legal grounds enabling the Prisons Department to implement house arrest officially and after it is approved, guidelines and regulations for implementation will be developed carefully to ensure its effectiveness and guarantee the safety of everyone involved. The amendment was also part of the efforts to reform prison management with a more humane approach, he added. 'Currently we have over 81,000 inmates in prison and 27,000 remand detainees. Many of them are minor offenders who have never been convicted. So with this new law, these detainees can carry out their sentences at home, with their families while being monitored, for instance, using electronic gadgets before the trial is completed,' he said. He also announced that the Step Up initiative launched today was the Prisons Department's continuous efforts to strengthen the rehabilitation and support system for former prospects after finishing their sentences and aimed to tackle the stigma against individuals rehabilitated in the prison system who are beginning new lives.
The Star
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Prisons Day celebration recognises department and its role in reshaping society, says Home Minister
GEORGE TOWN: The 235th Prisons Day celebration kicked off at the Esplanade, in Jalan Padang Kota Lama here, on Saturday (May 17). Various performances, including police combat reenactments and drama skits were performed before hundreds who were present at the event that was held from 8am to 11.30am. Among the performances was a showcase of the evolution of prisons in Malaysia. The event was graced by Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, accompanied by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. In his speech, Saifuddin said the Prisons Department is prepared to train 10,000 inmates this year to enter critical industries thereby reducing dependence on foreign workers in certain sectors. Awards and medals were also presented to high-performing personnel, including the Pingat Johan Bakti Setia that was presented by Tun Ramli to Saifuddin.
