MALAYSIA, PUTRAJAYA: Four-thousand prisoners will soon be released before the completion of their sentence to ease congestion in the country's jails.

Home Ministry director-general Datuk Seri Mahmood Adam said these ex-convicts would have to undergo counselling and participate in community programmes when they are freed.

"We will also ensure that these ex-convicts do not turn to crime again through our community outreach programmes and help them to blend quickly into society.

"Their movements will be closely monitored by Prison Department officials."

Mahmood was speaking to reporters after chairing a meeting with the Malaysian Federation of Chinese Associations and the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce to find solutions to problems facing the Chinese community.

Latest statistics show that there are more than 36,000 prisoners in jails across the country, including 17,256 who were serving time for minor crimes.

In earlier news reports, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said only prisoners serving time for minor crimes such as theft or those who have less than one year of jail term remaining would take part in the community service programme.

He said the community service programme could play an alternative role for those involved in petty crimes as they need not go to prison.

Mahmood said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak would announce the starting date for the programme today.

He said the Chinese community had responded positively to the ministry's efforts to reduce street crimes by 20 per cent this year as shown by the ministry's National Key Result Areas (NKRA).

He said the number of these cases in the capital dropped by 1,911 to 4,567 in the first two months of this year compared with 6,478 cases in the same period last year.

"We have received input from these Chinese associations and are looking into their proposals to reduce the crime rate in the country.

"We will also be meeting with the Indian and Malay associations next week to gather their input."

Also present at the meeting was Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.