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The Star
24-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
House arrest law can ease prison overcrowding, says Saifuddin
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is mulling house arrest – which includes the use of electronic monitoring devices – for remand detainees to address overcrowding in prisons, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The Home Minister revealed that the current prison population is 83,808, with 35% comprising remand prisoners. "Something must be done," he said during the wrap-up of debates on the Suhakam 2023 report in Parliament on Thursday (July 24). He also said that the government is focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, which have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing recidivism. Saifuddin said among these are the Licensed Prisoner Release and Corporate Smart Internship Programme that provide job opportunities in five economic sectors, namely plantations, service, construction, manufacturing and agriculture. "After reintegration and serving their sentences, only one out of 800 prisoners is a re-offender," he said. Saifuddin also said legislative amendments would be needed, saying there are ongoing efforts to redefine "restraint devices" to include electronic monitoring devices. "We have had the policy approval, now we need to develop the amendment matrix. Just like the format of a Bill," he said. On the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), Saifuddin said there is continuous engagement to review the law. He said this included reviewing what constitutes bailable, non-bailable and unbailable offences under Sosma, with 13 out 73 offences under Section 13 of the Act identified for removal from the list. "On having a special court to hear Sosma offences, the engagement will continue… we will study the recommendations," he added. During debates, several MPs raised concerns over Sosma detainees. Hassan Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang), said that the Actm which provides for detention without bail and delayed trials could lead to a violation of human rights. He told the Dewan Rakyat that detainees held under Sosma are not allowed bail under Section 13 of the Act, with some facing long delays before their trials begin.
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- New Straits Times
No 'VIP treatment' in Malaysian prisons, says Prisons Dept chief
KAJANG: The Prisons Department has denied claims of "VIP treatment" for high-profile inmates, saying all prisoners are treated equally under the law. Its director-general, Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak, said there are no air-conditioned cells, luxury meals or "hotel-like" conditions in any Malaysian prison. He said some high-profile inmates may be held in separate cells, but this is done solely for security reasons, not as a form of privilege. "These individuals often receive media attention or may face risks inside. Separation is a safety measure, not special treatment," he said on 'Harian Metro' 'Apa-Apa Saja' podcast. Aziz stressed that the department's core principle is the "duty of care", ensuring the safety and welfare of inmates from entry until release. To reduce overcrowding, more than 6,500 low-risk inmates are now serving time outside prison under the Community Rehabilitation Programme. Aziz said the department now refers to inmates as "prospects" to remove stigma and support their reintegration into society. "We believe prospects can change, and society should accept them. Rehabilitation is as important as punishment." He also highlighted the Corporate Smart Internship Programme, where eligible inmates work in private companies and earn a minimum wage of RM1,700. Aziz acknowledged that many prison facilities are outdated, with some more than 100 years old, and hopes for additional funding to upgrade ageing infrastructure.
New Straits Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Saifuddin: 10,000 inmates to fill gaps left by foreign workers
BENTONG: The Prisons Department aims to involve 10,000 inmates in critical industries nationwide to reduce dependence on foreign labour in the manufacturing, services, plantation, and construction sectors. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said initiatives such as the Community Rehabilitation Programme, Compulsory Attendance Order (PKW), Licensed Release of Prisoners Programme, and the Corporate Smart Internship Programme had proven effective in reducing recidivism and helping inmates rebuild their identities. "These programmes have helped ease overcrowding and lower operational costs in prisons. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Prisons Department for its success and growing recognition on the international stage. "One of its key achievements is the prison industries initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the private sector. The skills acquired by inmates have turned prison institutions into competitive, income-generating entities that train skilled labourers," he said at the Pahang-level celebration of the 235th Prison Day 2025 at the Bentong Prison complex today. His speech was delivered by acting Pahang Prisons director Deputy Commissioner Suhaizak Ab Wahab. Saifuddin also said that the department had received international recognition from several countries for fabric products made by inmates. "This reflects Malaysia's strong commitment to prison reform and our emergence as a global model for criminal rehabilitation," he said. He acknowledged, however, that overcrowding remained one of the key challenges faced by the ministry, and assured that it was being addressed seriously. "The ministry has outlined several strategies, including expanding the parole and PKW programmes for low-risk inmates, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to society. "We are also working on developing new prison infrastructure, upgrading existing facilities, and implementing digital and artificial intelligence technologies within the prison system," he added. Saifuddin said the government was currently reviewing mandatory sentencing laws through a legal reform committee, while also enhancing support systems for vulnerable inmate groups such as the elderly, chronically ill, mentally unwell, and Persons with Disabilities.
The Star
17-05-2025
- The Star
Prisons Department eyes reform as it marks 235th anniversary
KUALA LUMPUR: Improving rehabilitation, management and infrastructure within the correctional system remains a key priority of the Prisons Department as it marks its 235th anniversary. Commissioner General of Prisons Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak said the initiatives, under the Prison Reform Agenda, are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the prison system in line with a more humane and rehabilitative approach to justice. 'The reform agenda focuses on four main pillars – reducing overcrowding, replacing ageing facilities, updating laws and enhancing rehabilitation programmes. 'These are measured through the recidivism rate, which currently stands at 12.4%,' he told Bernama. As of March, the country's prisons housed 86,917 inmates, surpassing the total capacity of 74,146. The initiatives, first introduced in 2020, have helped reduce overcrowding by 10.15%. To further ease the situation, the department has repurposed 10 former National Service camps into admission prisons, with a combined capacity of 4,650 inmates. An additional six camps now serve as Inmate Reintegration Centres, accommodating 2,880 people. Elaborating further, Abdul Aziz said six ageing prisons, located in Penang, Taiping, Muar, Batu Gajah, Seremban and Pengkalan Chepa, have been identified for replacement under the 13th Malaysia Plan. He added that the department is transitioning from a punitive justice system focused solely on punishment to a more restorative and rehabilitative approach. This includes the introduction of the Parole System, which enables the early release of selected inmates under the supervision and monitoring of District Parole Officers nationwide. As of March 20, a total of 2,161 inmates were undergoing parole. Since its introduction in 2008, 60,833 individuals have been released through the system, with only 2.57% violating their parole conditions. 'District Parole Officers are responsible for conducting intervention programmes, which include counselling, religious classes and community-based activities as part of the reintegration process,' he said. However, Abdul Aziz acknowledged ongoing challenges, including difficulties in securing employment for ex-inmates, limited placement options for senior citizens and those with mental health issues, and a lack of community support. 'For 2025, we are focusing on the Corporate Smart Internship Programme, which aims to provide 8,500 job opportunities for early-release inmates. 'This will also help reduce the country's dependence on foreign labour,' he said. Meanwhile, the department's anniversary celebration this year will take place at Padang Kota Lama in Penang today. Themed Human Civilisation Strengthens a Madani Society, the event, which features exhibitions and historical displays highlighting the evolving role of prison institutions alongside national development, is open to the public. Penang was selected to host the celebration as Malaysia's first modern prison was established at Fort Cornwallis on the island in 1790.
