KUALA LUMPUR: More than 30,000 inmates were given early release under the Prisoners' Release on Licence (OBB) programme over the past two years, the Dewan Rakyat was told.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic) said this was among the initiatives to address prison overcrowding and was part of the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) programme.

"Based on records, a total of 31,742 inmates were granted early release under OBB programmes since 2022 to date," he said in a written reply to Datuk Seri Sh Mohamed Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan) on Thursday (June 27). 

"The OBB is also considered for categories of inmates who are old, those with disabilities (OKU), chronic illnesses and pregnant inmates who are serving sentences of four years and below," he added.

Saifuddin added that the ministry is also looking at allowing home detention for eligible individuals.

He said a new law was being considered as part of prison reforms and to address overcrowding.

Currently, inmates who may be considered for licensed release are those who: are serving sentences of less than a year; have served one-third of their sentence; are undergoing rehabilitation programmes in prison; and have a guarantee from their family, an employer or a non-governmental organisation that they will have a job and a place to live.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/27/over-30000-prisoners-granted-licensed-release-since-2022-dewan-rakyat-told