MACHANG: A bill allowing house arrest as an alternative punishment for certain offences will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat next year, says the home minister.
The Attorney-General's Chambers is now drafting the law, said Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced the house arrest measure during the tabling of the 2025 Budget yesterday.
He said 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," said Saifuddin.
"In addition to this, the government plans to introduce house arrest. We do not amend the Immigration Act but we create a new bill."
If everything goes smoothly, the bill would 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 here, today.
Lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla said 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 drink 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.