KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry is considering legal reforms that could allow individuals convicted of minor, non-violent offences to have their criminal records expunged after demonstrating good behaviour for a reasonable period following their release.
In a written reply to Subang member of parliament Wong Chen, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry is in the process of amending the Registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons Act 1969 (Act 7), which governs the listing of individuals convicted of offences in the criminal registry.
He said the cabinet had agreed in principle to the proposed amendments on May 21 this year.
“One of the key proposals is the introduction of a ‘spent’ mechanism, which allows individuals who do not commit any new offences within a reasonable timeframe to be considered as having no criminal record in the registry,” Saifuddin said.
“This move is aimed at giving deserving individuals a second chance at life, including opportunities to gain employment or pursue further education, whether locally or abroad,” he added.
He said stakeholder engagement sessions are ongoing and will continue to be held before the proposed amendments are tabled in parliament.
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