Police have stepped up security outside Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s residence in Jalan Langgak Duta, Kuala Lumpur, amid speculation that the former prime minister could return home this afternoon to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
Berita Harian reported that Najib may be allowed to return to his residence after settling the required payment.
Sentul district police chief Assistant Commissioner Anuar Bakri Abdul Salam and his deputy arrived at the housing area at 10.45am, following the arrival of a team of officers and personnel from the district police headquarters at 10.30am.
Police personnel at the scene instructed members of the media to remain at a distance, allowing them to report only from the junction leading into the residential area.
Anuar Bakri confirmed that preparations had been made to monitor the entrance to Najib’s home.
“Yes, we are making preparations for control and surveillance around the entrance to Datuk Seri Najib’s residence starting this morning,” he told reporters.
“So far, we have not received any exact information, but we are preparing for any possibility.”
Nearly 30 police personnel and several vehicles were placed on standby to monitor the area.
Police also put up tape to prevent unauthorised individuals from approaching the residence, while patrol cars and mobile vans were deployed. Two tents were also set up for duty and control purposes.
Information received indicated that Najib was expected to arrive home after Friday prayers this afternoon.
The presence of almost all senior Sentul district police officers at the location further fuelled speculation that the former prime minister could be returning home today.
Najib, 73, has been incarcerated at Kajang Prison since August 23, 2022, after the Federal Court upheld his conviction for misappropriating RM42 million belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd.
He was initially sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million. However, the Federal Territories Pardons Board reduced his sentence in January 2024 to six years’ imprisonment and a RM50 million fine.
On September 18, the King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim, granted Najib a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, subject to payment of the fine and fulfilment of other conditions.
