Prisons Department eyes reform as it marks 235th anniversary

The Star

17-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Improving rehabilitation, management and infrastructure within the correctional system remains a key priority of the Prisons Department as it marks its 235th anniversary.
Commissioner General of Prisons Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak said the initiatives, under the Prison Reform Agenda, are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the prison system in line with a more humane and rehabilitative approach to justice.
'The reform agenda focuses on four main pillars – reducing overcrowding, replacing ageing facilities, updating laws and enhancing rehabilitation programmes.
'These are measured through the recidivism rate, which currently stands at 12.4%,' he told Bernama.
As of March, the country's prisons housed 86,917 inmates, surpassing the total capacity of 74,146.
The initiatives, first introduced in 2020, have helped reduce overcrowding by 10.15%.
To further ease the situation, the department has repurposed 10 former National Service camps into admission prisons, with a combined capacity of 4,650 inmates.
An additional six camps now serve as Inmate Reintegration Centres, accommodating 2,880 people.
Elaborating further, Abdul Aziz said six ageing prisons, located in Penang, Taiping, Muar, Batu Gajah, Seremban and Pengkalan Chepa, have been identified for replacement under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
He added that the department is transitioning from a punitive justice system focused solely on punishment to a more restorative and rehabilitative approach.
This includes the introduction of the Parole System, which enables the early release of selected inmates under the supervision and monitoring of District Parole Officers nationwide.
As of March 20, a total of 2,161 inmates were undergoing parole.
Since its introduction in 2008, 60,833 individuals have been released through the system, with only 2.57% violating their parole conditions.
'District Parole Officers are responsible for conducting intervention programmes, which include counselling, religious classes and community-based activities as part of the reintegration process,' he said.
However, Abdul Aziz acknowledged ongoing challenges, including difficulties in securing employment for ex-inmates, limited placement options for senior citizens and those with mental health issues, and a lack of community support.
'For 2025, we are focusing on the Corporate Smart Internship Programme, which aims to provide 8,500 job opportunities for early-release inmates.
'This will also help reduce the country's dependence on foreign labour,' he said.
Meanwhile, the department's anniversary celebration this year will take place at Padang Kota Lama in Penang today.
Themed Human Civilisation Strengthens a Madani Society, the event, which features exhibitions and historical displays highlighting the evolving role of prison institutions alongside national development, is open to the public.
Penang was selected to host the celebration as Malaysia's first modern prison was established at Fort Cornwallis on the island in 1790.