Prisons Dept tells court not to send MCO violators to jail, risk Covid-19 outbreaks

CORONAVIRUS | The Prisons Department has told the courts to stop jailing people for violating the movement control order (MCO).

It said the move is causing overcrowding in prisons where social distancing is "impossible".

Furthermore, the department said it is not known if the new prisoners being sent to jail are infected with Covid-19.

This is according to a letter by Prisons Department director-general Zulkifli Omar (above) addressed to the Federal Court chief registrar Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh which was sighted by Malaysiakini.

When contacted, the Prisons Department confirmed to Malaysiakini that the letter is authentic but is investigating the source of the leak.

According to the letter, Zulkifli said as of April 1, 378 people have been sent to prison for violating the MCO.

"Apart from adding on to the already crowded prisons, the Prisons Department is concerned that they could become the source of Covid-19 outbreaks in prison as their health status are not known.

"The Prisons Department is of the opinion that it will become a major issue if there is a Covid-19 outbreak in prison because social distancing is impossible in prison and could spread uncontrollably that it could threaten the lives of prisoners and prison staff," read the letter.

Zulkifli then recommended to the courts to mete out community service punishments under the Offenders Compulsory Attendance Act 1954.

"We convey our thanks in advance for your attention and cooperation in this matter," he said.

In an effort to combat the coronavirus, the country has gone into a partial lockdown since March 18.

The MCO was supposed to end on March 31 but was extended until April 14.

Under the MCO, all non-essential businesses and services must close while people are only allowed to leave their homes for pressing reasons such as to restock food supply.

However, people have been flouting the rules under MCO by going out for activities other than what is allowed or holding gatherings.

The government, which in the initial stages used a more lenient approach by giving out advice, is now taking a more hardline position by arresting offenders. - Mkini