Law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the alternative sentences would replace the mandatory death penalty for 12 offences, including under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Meanwhile, the alternative sentences for 22 offences that give the court the discretion to sentence someone to death will be amended to ensure they are proportionate to the crime.

In a statement, Wan Junaidi also announced a moratorium on the execution of the death penalty for 1,337 inmates.

“A memorandum will be brought to the Cabinet for its consideration and approval before the bill to amend the relevant laws is brought to Parliament,” he said.

Wan Junaidi added that the first reading of the bill is expected to take place on Oct 4 in the Dewan Rakyat with the second reading on Nov 22.

“The government will also hold engagement sessions with MPs in the near future in relation to the implementation of alternative sentences to the mandatory death penalty,” he said.

On June 10, Wan Junaidi announced that Putrajaya had agreed to abolish the mandatory death penalty, and to give judges discretion in sentencing.

He said the government had accepted in principle the recommendations of a special committee, chaired by former chief justice Richard Malanjum, to review alternative sentences to the mandatory death penalty.