KUALA LUMPUR: The government's plan to introduce a law allowing house arrest as an alternative to imprisonment for certain offences has been welcomed as a progressive move.
Former member of Parliament Charles Santiago said the measure would help resolve overcrowding in prisons throughout the country.
This, in turn, would the risks of health and other human rights issues in prisons, he said.
In January, Prisons Department director-general Datuk Nordin Muhamad said there were around 75,000 inmates in prisons nationwide, more than the 71,000 capacity limit.
This did not include the nearly 4,000 prisoners who were undergoing rehabilitation at the time.
Santiago said he hoped the government would engage the public on the idea as it affected entire communities.
"There must be cases where we say, home detention is not suitable, that rehabilitation is needed.
"There also has to be clarity over who would be entitled to house arrest," he told the New Straits Times.
The idea to allow house arrest was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of the 2025 Budget.
Former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said he believed house arrest should not be allowed for those who have committed violent crimes.
He also said it should be left to the court to decide on allowing house arrest at the time of sentencing.
Lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla said house arrest would be suitable for those convicted of petty crimes or offences linked to social issues including drunk driving, vandalism and illegal racing.
He said the government could also explore the possibility of allowing a level of flexibility in house arrests.
"For example, some prisoners might get involved with other criminals during incarceration or do something wrong even though they were originally imprisoned for a minor offence.
"Perhaps they can be allowed to work while under house arrest, say from 9am to 5pm. But they must be home by 7pm and cannot leave the house again except for work at 7am."
He said this would help reduce the chances of the convict reoffending and also help the person readjust to life after prison.
Hafizi Harun, who leads the rehabilitation outfit, Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia, said house arrest would be helpful for drug addicts.
"It will help with rehabilitation, reduce stigma from society and ensure people are safe and can enjoy the support of their family members."
He said house arrest can be part of an integrated rehabilitation programme which would also involve counselling, therapy and education to help addicts overcome their addictions.
"The government can also involve NGOs in providing these rehabilitation services.