MACHANG: The new law that will allow house arrest as an alternative punishment for certain offences is expected to be tabled in Parliament next year, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the Cabinet has approved the policy for the implementation of the law, and the Bill is being drafted by the Attorney General’s Department and Prisons Department director-general Datuk Seri Nordin Muhamad as the stakeholders.
“Once the Bill is drafted, we will present it to the Cabinet, after which we expect to table it in Parliament,” Saifuddin said after launching the Santuni Madani: One Leader, One Village programme in Bukit Tiu yesterday, Bernama reported.
He also said the drafting of the Bill would not involve amending the Prisons Act, as it will be an entirely new law.
During the tabling of Budget 2025 on Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government would introduce a new law to allow house arrest as an alternative sentence for certain offences.
The offenders would be required to stay at designated places of detention, such as a residential home, care facility or workers’ dormitory, throughout their detention period.
On the Santuni Madani programme, Saifuddin said efforts would be made to enhance the potential of Kampung Tiu and the capacity of its residents through direct monitoring and engagement in identifying their socioeconomic challenges and needs.
Focus on local development: Saifuddin visiting an exhibition after launching the Santuni Madani: One Leader, One Village programme in Bukit Tiu, Machang, Kelantan. — Bernama
“This programme will involve youths, villagers, school students, government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“It will feature activities such as religious talks, traditional games, dikir barat performances, the distribution of Neighbourhood Watch kits, and exhibitions by government agencies, NGOs and banking institutions,” he added.
The programme is a collaboration with the Health Ministry, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the police and the National Registration Department.
“This programme is expected to enhance the potential of Kampung Bukit Tiu in line with the goals of the Santuni Madani programme, which focuses on sustainable local development,” he said.
