KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 — The Dewan Rakyat today proposed a comprehensive reform of the country’s prison and detention system, including the development of humane standards to ensure effective rehabilitation and to protect detainees’ welfare under an integrated approach.
The proposal was raised by MPs in response to concerns over overcrowding in prisons and detention depots, poor infrastructure and the lack of adequate medical facilities, as highlighted in the 2023 Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).
Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari (Harapan-Sungai Petani) urged the government to introduce a minimum standard for prison management to strengthen the detention system, uphold inmates’ rights and facilitate the work of civil servants.
“I believe the government will not take this matter lightly, and I support efforts to enhance enforcement training through collaboration with Suhakam in developing human rights modules, which should be expanded.
“To ensure continuity, I propose the establishment of minimum standards for humane prison conditions, setting out clear benchmarks for healthcare, prisoner segregation and access to rehabilitation services,” he said during the debate on the Suhakam report in the Dewan Rakyat.
Echoing the call, Teresa Kok Suh Sim (Harapan-Seputeh) said the Home Ministry and other agencies must take a comprehensive approach, including urgent improvements to infrastructure.
“Detention facilities such as police lock-ups, prisons and immigration depots that are in poor and dilapidated condition pose health risks to both detainees and staff. Overcrowding also accelerates the spread of infectious diseases,” she said.
Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) called prison overcrowding a humanitarian crisis that needs urgent reform.
The issue of prison and detention reform also drew bipartisan support from government and opposition MPs alike, including Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (PN-Tanjong Karang), Cha Kee Chin (Harapan-Rasah), Syahredzan Johan (Harapan-Bangi), and Young Syefura Othman (Harapan-Bentong).
During the debate, MPs also raised concerns about human rights and the social protection of gig economy workers, calling for the prompt tabling of legislation to safeguard their rights.
Datuk Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan Serai) said gig workers remain in a legal “grey area”, which negatively affects their welfare, especially as they now make up 26 percent of the workforce, a figure projected to rise to three million this year.
V. Sivakumar (Harapan-Batu Gajah) added that gig workers lack adequate protection or a safety net under labour laws, social security and income guarantees, leaving them vulnerable to accidents, illness and poverty.
Earlier, while tabling the motion, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the tabling and debate of the Suhakam report in the Dewan Rakyat marked a vital democratic tradition. She said it provides an avenue for MPs to scrutinise the state of human rights in the country and propose improvements to policies and practices.
“This exercise is not just about presenting a report. It reflects our willingness as a nation to engage in open dialogue on issues once considered sensitive or overlooked.
“It is a constructive platform for all MPs to deliberate maturely on efforts to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights, and to ensure Suhakam remains responsive to current challenges and public expectations,” Azalina said.
— Bernama
