Saifuddin: 10,000 inmates to fill gaps left by foreign workers
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said initiatives such as the Community Rehabilitation Programme, Compulsory Attendance Order (PKW), Licensed Release of Prisoners Programme, and the Corporate Smart Internship Programme had proven effective in reducing recidivism and helping inmates rebuild their identities.
"These programmes have helped ease overcrowding and lower operational costs in prisons. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Prisons Department for its success and growing recognition on the international stage.
"One of its key achievements is the prison industries initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the private sector. The skills acquired by inmates have turned prison institutions into competitive, income-generating entities that train skilled labourers," he said at the Pahang-level celebration of the 235th Prison Day 2025 at the Bentong Prison complex today.
His speech was delivered by acting Pahang Prisons director Deputy Commissioner Suhaizak Ab Wahab.
Saifuddin also said that the department had received international recognition from several countries for fabric products made by inmates.
"This reflects Malaysia's strong commitment to prison reform and our emergence as a global model for criminal rehabilitation," he said.
He acknowledged, however, that overcrowding remained one of the key challenges faced by the ministry, and assured that it was being addressed seriously.
"The ministry has outlined several strategies, including expanding the parole and PKW programmes for low-risk inmates, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to society.
"We are also working on developing new prison infrastructure, upgrading existing facilities, and implementing digital and artificial intelligence technologies within the prison system," he added.
Saifuddin said the government was currently reviewing mandatory sentencing laws through a legal reform committee, while also enhancing support systems for vulnerable inmate groups such as the elderly, chronically ill, mentally unwell, and Persons with Disabilities.
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