Introduction to the Parole Board Secretariat Division
The Parole Board Secretariat Division, Ministry of Home Affairs was established in 2008 in accordance with the Prisons (Amendment) Act 2008. This division is responsible for the secretariat of the Parole Board appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA).
Parole System
The Parole System refers to the release on parole which qualifies prisoners to serve the remainder of their sentences outside prison. Parole release is through conditions based on the Prisons (Amendment) Act 2008. The Parole System in Malaysia was implemented on 30 June 2008 based on the Australian Parole System where the Parole Board will consider the prisoner's parole application.
In accordance with Section 46E (1), a prisoner is eligible for consideration for parole release subject to an offence outside the Fourth Schedule and a minimum sentence of one year imprisonment. Prisoners who are considered for parole release will be placed with their family, a supervised transitional home of the Prisons Department or under the Corporate Smart Intership for Parolee (CSI) program. From 2008 to 2023, a total of 92,156 applications were considered, of which 59,673 (65%) were approved for parole.
Prisoners who wish to apply for parole must go through the parole process that has been set as follows:
The prisoner has served half of the prison sentence and the rehabilitation program set by the prison;
The prisoner's parole application is recommended by the Malaysian Prisons Headquarters (IPPM);
The prisoner's parole application is considered by the Parole Board;
If the prisoner's application is considered, a parole order will be issued with the conditions set by the Parole Board; and
The Paroled Person (ODP) serves the remainder of the sentence on parole until released.
The implementation of the Malaysian Parole System aims to smooth the process of reintegrating prisoners into society, provide prisoners with the opportunity to build a new quality life, reduce overcrowding in prisons and reduce the high maintenance costs borne by the government.
