Prisons Dept proposes amendments to clear ex-inmates' records after 5 years
This initiative aims to give former prisoners a chance to seek employment and rebuild their lives without being burdened by the stigma of their past.
However, the expungement of criminal records will be carried out based on assessments by the department, taking into account the former inmates' good behaviour. This will help them find employment and support themselves after being released from prison.
Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, Prisons Department director-general Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak said each year, more than 300,000 prisoners and remand detainees are released, yet their records remain in the central database for life, making it difficult for them to find jobs.
"The five-year period is a critical time for someone to change, and if they show good behaviour during this time, why should they continue to be punished by their records?
Abdul Aziz said the five-year period is an appropriate time for retaining someone's records in the database.
"Five years is considered suitable as it is a benchmark used in other countries.
The most critical time for change is within two years. If someone has demonstrated good behaviour over five years, why would they want to return to crime?" he added.
This proposal has received support from various parties advocating for reform in the criminal record registration system to help former prisoners reintegrate into society more effectively.
In 2014, the idea of removing the requirement to declare past criminal records on job application forms was brought forward by Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who was then Deputy Home Minister.
The proposed amendment is seen as a progressive move towards giving ex-convicts a second chance, potentially reducing recidivism and contributing to social stability.
The Prisons Department hopes the amendment will be approved soon so that former inmates who have changed and shown good behaviour can be removed from the criminal record list, thus opening a new chapter in their lives.
This initiative not only reflects the country's commitment to social rehabilitation but is also in line with international practices that provide individuals who have made mistakes the opportunity for personal reform.
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