Prison overcrowding in Malaysia has resulted primarily from the government's declaration of drug abuse as a security threat and the number one enemy of the nation. More and more offenders are receiving prison sentences of extended length. The increasing number of persons in pretrial detention has also contributed to prison overcrowding. Opportunities for early release are limited. Methods Malaysia has used to reduce prison overcrowding are the use of inmates to build new prisons and the expanded use of dormitories in open prisons. The overcrowding problem, however, cannot be adequately relieved by the provision of more prison space. There must be more noncustodial sentences. Currently, fines, bond, suspended sentences, community service orders, and other noncustodial measures are rarely used. All relevant agencies of the criminal justice system must discuss ways to revise policy so as to address the crisis of prison overcrowding.