He said the device would be used to track the whereabouts of those serving their sentence under the proposed legislation, reported Utusan Malaysia.

“Current laws do not have provisions that allow offenders to be placed under house arrest,” he told reporters after an event in SMK Tanjung Bunga in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, today.

He said that if the bill is passed, it would apply to detainees currently under remand.

“However, remand detainees involved in serious crimes such as rape, murder or drug-related offences under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act will not be considered (for house arrest),” he said.

Saifuddin also said the draft of the bill is being discussed with the Attorney-General’s Chambers and other stakeholders.

“Additionally, engagement sessions are ongoing with the parliamentary select committee on human rights and security, as well as academic experts and legal professionals, before we present it to Parliament,” he said.

Saifuddin also said that as of Nov 14, the total number of prisoners stood at 86,766, exceeding the actual capacity of 74,146.

Last month, he had said about 20,000 offenders are likely to be considered to be placed under house arrest under the proposed bill.

The bill, announced during the 2025 budget, will consider first offenders who did not commit major crimes, pregnant women, senior citizens and inmates with disabilities, he said.

Muda’s executive committee member Dobby Chew questioned the house arrest bill, claiming that it would benefit certain parties.

Academic Muzaffar Syah Mallow of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia also suggested that the bill should exclude anyone convicted in cases that are of public interest, including corruption.