Ismail told the Dewan Rakyat that a total of 69,507 people were imprisoned as of August, exceeding the actual capacity by 8,265 prisoners.

Answering a question from RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), he said a total of 51,123 detainees, prison personnel and their family members, including nine babies, had been infected with Covid-19 so far.

To reduce congestion in prisons and to curb the spread of Covid-19, Ismail said the prisons department had relocated some inmates to prisons with fewer detainees, while it was also setting up temporary detention centres.

He added that 13 camps meant for the National Service programme (PLKN) were converted into satellite prisons to isolate and screen detainees before imprisoning them.

“Transit detention centres were also established for remand and convicted prisoners.

“Also, in line with the direction of the prisons department, two-thirds of convicted prisoners who are eligible will undergo rehabilitation outside prison walls or in the community,” he said.

Asked by Rayer on vaccinations for prisoners, Ismail said the home ministry would ensure that prisoners are vaccinated against Covid-19, adding that it would be conducted periodically.

He said that prisons had special rooms to treat inmates with infectious diseases, including tuberculosis and influenza, while clinics with complete ward facilities and manned by health ministry officers had also been set up.

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