Kuala lumpur: The Prisons (Amendment) Bill 2026, which includes provisions for the use of electronic monitoring devices and the appointment of volunteers to support prisoner rehabilitation programs, has been deferred and will be referred back to two Parliamentary Special Select Committees (PSSCs).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah stated that the bill will be sent to the PSSC on Security and the PSSC on Human Rights, Election and Institutional Reform for further examination. He noted that the Home Ministry is considering the issues raised during the debate on the bill and is evaluating the feedback provided. This statement was made during the winding-up of the debate on the bill in the Dewan Rakyat.
The bill had previously been referred to the PSSC on Human Rights, Election and Institutional Reform on October 29, 2025, and the PSSC on Security on June 16. Shamsul Anuar mentioned that both committees had, in general, responded positively to the amendments proposed by the Home Ministry. Additionally, briefing sessions were held for Members of Parliament (MPs) to gather their views on the proposed legislation.
The bill aims to address prison overcrowding through a rehabilitation-based approach. Fourteen government and opposition MPs participated in the debate, with most suggesting that the Home Ministry withdraw the bill and refer it to the PSSC for further scrutiny, especially regarding the proposed new Section 63A.
William Leong Jee Keen (PH-Selayang) expressed the need for further review of the new provision to ensure that compliance with instructions issued by senior prison officers adheres to accountability principles and aligns with the rule of law. Other MPs, including Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor), Datuk Seri Madius Tangau (GRS-Tuaran), and RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), echoed similar concerns.
The text of the bill, available on the Parliament portal, indicates that the new section seeks to provide legal protection to prison officers and individuals acting on the orders of the commissioner general. The bill, tabled for its second reading yesterday, contains 12 clauses and four sub-clauses, including a provision for volunteers to assist in implementing rehabilitation programs under the Prisons Act 1995. The Dewan Rakyat sitting is scheduled to resume on Monday.