KUALA LUMPUR: There are no plans to relocate the Taiping Prison to a new complex at this juncture, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
“The government has not, at this time, made any decision to relocate or replace Taiping Prison with a new prison complex,” the Home Minister said in a parliamentary written reply dated July 14.
However, he said the ministry through the Prisons Department will continue to assess the need for the development, upgrading or replacement of prison facilities based on a range of considerations, including security aspects, operational requirements, inmate accommodation capacity, the physical condition of existing buildings, and the financial implications for the government.
“The ministry has also taken note of the findings and recommendations submitted by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) in relation to the incident that occurred on Jan 17, 2025. These findings and recommendations are currently being examined by the relevant authorities,” he said.
In the meantime, the Prisons Department will continue to implement appropriate measures to ensure that security, inmate welfare and the smooth operation of Taiping Prison are maintained at all times,” he added.
He was responding to a question by Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) on whether there are any plans to relocate Taiping Prison to a new facility, given that the existing building has been found to be unsuitable for use as a prison following the recommendations by Suhakam.
On May 25 this year, the Suhakam public inquiry panel released its final findings on the Jan 17, 2025, Taiping Prison riot, which resulted in an elderly inmate’s death.
Suhakam called for immediate disciplinary action against the Taiping Prison officers involved in last year's violence, rejecting claims that such action would amount to "double jeopardy".
The commission stressed that a zero-tolerance policy must be enforced against any misconduct, abuse of power or violation of the law within the service.
