diff --git a/src/jdk.compiler/share/classes/com/sun/tools/javac/comp/Modules.java b/src/jdk.compiler/share/classes/com/sun/tools/javac/comp/Modules.java
index 6dd4a368f44ed..f9f284a3edfef 100644
--- a/src/jdk.compiler/share/classes/com/sun/tools/javac/comp/Modules.java
+++ b/src/jdk.compiler/share/classes/com/sun/tools/javac/comp/Modules.java
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@ protected Modules(Context context) {
         allowModules = Feature.MODULES.allowedInSource(source);
         Options options = Options.instance(context);
 
-        allowAccessIntoSystem = options.isUnset(Option.RELEASE);
+        allowAccessIntoSystem = true;
         lintOptions = options.isUnset(Option.XLINT_CUSTOM, "-" + LintCategory.OPTIONS.option);
 
         multiModuleMode = fileManager.hasLocation(StandardLocation.MODULE_SOURCE_PATH);