KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 (Bernama) -- Inspector-general of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar announced that 1,473 convicts under the Emergency Ordinance, Restricted Residence Act 1933 and Banishment (Repeal) Bill 2011 have been released nationwide.

Speaking at a press conference after a briefing on combating crime held at the Middle Brigade, General Operations Force here today he said, they were released in the past several months following the government's abolition of the three laws.

Adding that they were still monitored, he said," We would also help them, for example if they were unemployed, we'll request assistance from the Labour Department on the matter."

He called on all district police chiefs to cooperate in assisting the former convicts lead normal lives.

"I also hope the society can accept them and provide job opportunities in order to prevent them from lapsing into criminal activities," he concluded.