The government spent almost RM500 million on managing prisoners nationwide last year, said home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Citing Malaysian Prisons Department records, he said RM490.2 million was spent in 2024, while RM433.6 million had been utilised as of Sept 26 this year.
“The expenditure covers management costs, utilities, basic necessities, food, healthcare services, court and hospital escorts, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration programmes,” he said in a written reply published on the Parliament portal.
Saifuddin said a total of 355,604 prisoner admissions were recorded in 2024, comprising 263,412 Malaysian citizens and 92,192 non-citizens.
“For the period up to Sept 24 this year, 278,272 admissions were recorded, involving 199,463 citizens and 78,809 non-citizens,” he said.
Most inmates are between 31 and 40 years old, with the majority serving sentences of between one and six years.
By sentencing category, of the 355,604 inmates recorded in 2024, 225,961 were remand prisoners, while 129,643 were convicted prisoners.
Among remand prisoners, 176,625 were citizens and 49,336 non-citizens. For convicted inmates, 86,787 were citizens and 42,856 non-citizens.
“For 2025, 174,356 are remand prisoners and 103,916 are convicted prisoners,” he added.
Saifuddin said the Prisons Department remains committed to ensuring effective welfare, healthcare and management standards for inmates.
“The focus is not only on providing basic necessities, but also on strengthening rehabilitation, character development, mental well-being and effective reintegration opportunities.
“This holistic approach is crucial to ensure prisoners return to society better prepared, more productive and responsible, ultimately contributing to the country’s safety, harmony and well-being,” he said.
