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KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIA plans to introduce an early release programme for prisoners next year aimed to cut costs and overcrowding in prisons, a report said.
Abdul Aziz Mohamad Yusof, home ministry's secretary-general, said the prison department will implement the parole system after it is approved by lawmakers in the next few weeks.
The parole system adopted by Malaysia is practised in Australia, Canada, Britain and the United States. It provides parole for prisoners if they demonstrate good conduct while in prison.
'Prisoners serving light sentences of not more than one year will be considered for early release,' Abdul Aziz was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency on Saturday.
He said at least 2,000 prisoners qualify for parole, adding that the plan would cut overcrowding at 29 prisons currently housing 35,000 prisoners whilst their capacity was only for 28,000. -- AFP
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