A BILL allowing house arrest as an alternative punishment for certain offences will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat next year, said the home minister, reported the New Straits Times.
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Attorney-General's Chambers is now drafting the law.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the house arrest measure during the tabling of the 2025 Budget in parliament.
Under the proposed law, offenders would remain in designated locations such as their homes, care centres, or workers' dormitories for the duration of their sentence.
"Under Section 43 of the Prison Act, a minister has the power to direct the director-general to implement parole and licensed release of prisoners.
"In addition to this, the government plans to introduce house arrest. We do not amend the Immigration Act but we create a new bill," said Saifuddin.
If everything goes smoothly, the bill will be tabled in Parliament in the first or last session of next year, Saifuddin said after launching the 'One Village, One Leader' Madani programme at Kampung Bukit Tiu in Machang.
NST also reported lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla saying that the new law could ease prison overcrowding.
He said house arrest is suitable for people found guilty of petty offences.
"This can be a good alternative for those found guilty of offences such as drunk driving or vandalism.
"They can be detained at their house and will not disturb society, freeing up space in prison for more serious offenders."
He said this option could also be considered for white-collar criminals, provided they paid the fines imposed by the court. - October 18, 2024
