The government spent nearly RM500 million on managing inmates last year, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed in a written reply to the Dewan Rakyat.
According to Malaysian Prisons Department data, RM490.2 million was spent in 2024, while RM433.6 million had been utilised as of 26 September 2025.
The expenditure covered management operations, utilities, basic necessities, food, healthcare, court and hospital escort services, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
Saifuddin said 355,604 inmates were registered in 2024 — 263,412 Malaysians and 92,192 non-citizens.
Up to 24 September 2025, another 278,272 admissions were recorded, involving 199,463 Malaysians and 78,809 non-citizens.
He said most inmates were aged 31 to 40, with the majority serving one- to six-year sentences.
Of the 355,604 inmates in 2024, 225,961 were remand prisoners and 129,643 were convicted inmates.
Among remand prisoners, 176,625 were Malaysians and 49,336 were non-citizens, while the convicted group included 86,787 Malaysians and 42,856 non-citizens.
For 2025, the data recorded 174,356 remand inmates and 103,916 convicted inmates.
Of these, 132,030 Malaysians and 42,326 non-citizens were under remand, while 67,433 Malaysians and 36,483 non-citizens were serving sentences.
Saifuddin said the Prisons Department remains committed to ensuring effective inmate welfare, healthcare and management.
Beyond providing basic needs, he said the department is focused on strengthening rehabilitation, character development, mental wellbeing and reintegration opportunities.
“This holistic approach is crucial to ensuring inmates return to society better prepared, productive and responsible, contributing to national safety, harmony and wellbeing,” he said.
