Latest news with #CommunityRehabilitationProgramme
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- New Straits Times
No 'VIP treatment' in Malaysian prisons, says Prisons Dept chief
KAJANG: The Prisons Department has denied claims of "VIP treatment" for high-profile inmates, saying all prisoners are treated equally under the law. Its director-general, Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak, said there are no air-conditioned cells, luxury meals or "hotel-like" conditions in any Malaysian prison. He said some high-profile inmates may be held in separate cells, but this is done solely for security reasons, not as a form of privilege. "These individuals often receive media attention or may face risks inside. Separation is a safety measure, not special treatment," he said on 'Harian Metro' 'Apa-Apa Saja' podcast. Aziz stressed that the department's core principle is the "duty of care", ensuring the safety and welfare of inmates from entry until release. To reduce overcrowding, more than 6,500 low-risk inmates are now serving time outside prison under the Community Rehabilitation Programme. Aziz said the department now refers to inmates as "prospects" to remove stigma and support their reintegration into society. "We believe prospects can change, and society should accept them. Rehabilitation is as important as punishment." He also highlighted the Corporate Smart Internship Programme, where eligible inmates work in private companies and earn a minimum wage of RM1,700. Aziz acknowledged that many prison facilities are outdated, with some more than 100 years old, and hopes for additional funding to upgrade ageing infrastructure.
New Straits Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Saifuddin: 10,000 inmates to fill gaps left by foreign workers
BENTONG: The Prisons Department aims to involve 10,000 inmates in critical industries nationwide to reduce dependence on foreign labour in the manufacturing, services, plantation, and construction sectors. 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.
