4 days ago
Expert: House arrest can ease prison crowding, but must include safeguards
KUALA LUMPUR: The government's move to introduce house arrest as an alternative to imprisonment has been welcomed as a timely measure to reduce prison overcrowding.
However, an expert says its implementation must come with clear guidelines, targeted eligibility, and strong monitoring systems to ensure its effectiveness.
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) former Commissioner and academic Professor Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal said the initiative reflects a progressive step towards reforming the penal system, especially for low-risk and remand detainees.
"I certainly welcome the government's intention to implement home arrest.
"As a former Suhakam commissioner, I have been involved in efforts to address prison congestion and overcrowding.
"Home arrest will definitely reduce the number of detainees. More importantly, it would allow individuals to continue working and supporting their families while serving their sentence at home under certain conditions," she told the New Straits Times.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail recently announced that the ministry is in the final phase of finalising a bill on house arrest.
The proposal has already received policy approval and is aimed at curbing overcrowding in Malaysian prisons.
Noor Aziah said that while house arrest offers a practical solution, it should be one of several alternatives in a broader reform framework.
"It's definitely an effective measure, but just one option. We must also ensure that it applies to remand prisoners, who currently make up nearly one-third of the prison population."
She proposed that the policy focus on specific categories of offenders to maximise its impact, especially those who pose minimal public safety risks.
"We hope house arrest will apply to groups such as senior citizens (65 and above), women, and those with chronic illnesses."
On enforcement, she expressed confidence in the Prisons Department, citing their existing systems for monitoring individuals on parole and those released with licence conditions.
"I am sure the government is studying models from other countries that have successfully implemented home arrest," she added.
