Remand suspects a major factor in prison overcrowding, officials say

Senior correctional officials have highlighted that the growing number of suspects detained on remand awaiting court trials constitutes a major factor behind severe congestion in prisons nationwide.

Authorities pointed out that delays in completing investigations, backlogs in the production of forensic and government analyst reports, and rigid bail parameters frequently keep non-convicted individuals in detention for protracted periods.

Officials have urged the judiciary and Ministry of Justice to introduce institutional expediting mechanisms, expanded community service orders, and digital case management to ease the strain on correctional facilities.