The government has agreed in principle to implement the Licensed Release of Prisoners (PBSL) through home detention for prisoners serving jail sentences of four years and below as an effort to reduce overcrowding in prisons.
More humane approach
This announcement was made by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, emphasizing a more humane approach to handling prisoners, especially those with chronic illnesses, the elderly, disabled, and pregnant women, by integrating them back into society under monitored conditions.
According to Kwong Wah Daily, the initiative is currently under review to determine whether existing laws need amendments or if new legislation is required, with urgency placed on the process.
Saifuddin highlighted the effectiveness of existing programs like parole, compulsory attendance orders, and community rehabilitation in not only reducing prison populations but also in saving costs for the country.
“Remarkably, out of 800 prisoners released under these programs, only one has returned to prison,” he reportedly said.
During the 234th Prison Day celebration at the Puncak Borneo Prison Complex, it was also revealed that Sarawak Prison has been awarded the Outstanding State Prison Award 2023.
This accolade comes in recognition of their exceptional achievements in meeting international standards across four key performance indicators, including recidivism, remand population, overcrowding rates, and the rate of incarceration.