KUALA LUMPUR: The government tabled the Prisons (Amendment) Bill 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (June 23), introducing a range of measures aimed at strengthening prison administration, offender monitoring and rehabilitation programmes.
Deputy Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah tabled the Bill for its first reading, with the second and third readings scheduled to be held during the current parliamentary session.
Among the key proposals is the introduction of electronic monitoring devices for prisoners, parolees and inmates released on licence.
The amendments would empower the Commissioner General of Prisons to order the use of such devices to monitor offenders both within prison grounds and after their release, subject to specified terms and conditions.
The Bill also creates offences for failing to comply with electronic monitoring requirements, as well as for tampering with, damaging, destroying or losing the devices.
Other amendments include allowing prisoners to undertake labour either individually or in groups, expanding the powers and responsibilities of prison officers in charge of prison officer training centres, and enabling the Commissioner General to appoint volunteers to assist in rehabilitation programmes.
The proposed law would also increase the general penalty for offences under the Prisons Act 1995 where no specific punishment is provided, raising the maximum fine from RM500 to RM5,000 and the maximum jail term from six months to one year.
In addition, the Bill seeks to introduce legal protection for prison officers and other individuals acting in good faith under the orders or instructions of the Commissioner General, shielding them from legal action arising from duties carried out in accordance with the Act.
The amendments also provide for new ranks within the Prisons Department, namely Chief Assistant Superintendent of Prison and Chief Prison Sub Inspector, while updating provisions relating to parole board allowances and the management of the Prison Officers’ Reward Fund.
According to the explanatory statement, the Bill is expected to involve additional government expenditure, although the amount has yet to be determined.
