Malaysia
Najib Razak's House Arrest: Security Managed by Prisons Department
The Malaysian Prisons Department takes charge of security for former Prime Minister Najib Razak, who begins serving his house arrest in Langgak Duta.
KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Prisons Department has assumed full responsibility for the security of former Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is currently serving the remainder of his sentence under house arrest at his residence in Langgak Duta. This arrangement follows a recent court ruling that allows him to complete his sentence at home until August 23, 2028, after he was granted a conditional pardon by the King.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will collaborate closely with the Prisons Department to ensure compliance with security measures. He said that given the house is under the jurisdiction of the Sentul District Police Headquarters, he has instructed them to carry out checks and maintain control periodically.
Najib's transition to house arrest followed the payment of a RM50 million fine as part of the conditions set by the court after his conviction in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case, where he was originally sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million in 2020. The Pardons Board later reduced the sentence to six years and the fine to RM50 million in 2024.
“Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said he has instructed the Sentul District Police Headquarters to carry out checks and maintain control periodically.”Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail, Inspector-General of Police
On November 9, Najib was escorted to his home under tight security, marking the beginning of his house arrest. The High Court's decision to allow this arrangement came after the Attorney General's Chambers filed a request to clarify the terms of Najib's release, ensuring there were no legal ambiguities.
Najib, who has been imprisoned since August 2022, is appealing a separate 15-year sentence linked to the 1MDB scandal. His house arrest pertains solely to the SRC case and does not affect the ongoing legal proceedings regarding 1MDB.
In a related development, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail is set to address the terms governing Najib's house arrest in the Dewan Rakyat, responding to inquiries about the specific conditions and monitoring responsibilities.