Home Minister Proposes House Arrest Act

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the proposed House Arrest Act aims to address prison overcrowding, particularly involving remand detainees who make up a significant proportion of the prison population while awaiting trial.

“The concept we have been discussing from the outset is clear, namely that for remand detainees who meet the requirements, the court may consider placing them under house arrest with electronic monitoring until their trial.”

Remand Detainees Defined

Remand detainees refer to individuals charged but denied bail or unable to post bail, held in prison pending trial.

Prison Overcrowding Problem

Malaysia has 41 prisons but a prison population of 93,000, with a capacity of 75,000.

Electronic Monitoring Plan

If passed, the law would allow courts to place eligible remand detainees under house arrest with electronic monitoring until their trial date.

Serious Cases Excluded

Serious criminal cases have already been identified for exclusion from the house arrest mechanism.

Cabinet Approval

The Cabinet has given in-principle approval for the Home Ministry to draft and table the House Arrest Act in Parliament.

Original Purpose

The original goal of the House Arrest Act is to reduce prison overcrowding and improve the correctional system's effectiveness.