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Effective steps needed for drug-related cases: Director
Published on: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Published on: Sat, Jun 14, 2025
By: Azmie Lim Text Size: Mohamaddin presenting a certificate to one of the recipients. LAHAD DATU: More effective prevention and treatment measures are needed to address the increasingly concerning issue of drug-related cases in the State. Sabah and Labuan Prison Director Tey Hock Soon said 70 per cent of prospects detained in prison are involved in drug abuse cases.
Advertisement He described the figure as deeply worrying and stressed the need for more effective rehabilitation approaches. He said the rate of reoffending and return to prison for drug-related offences is also alarmingly high. 'On average, out of 10 individuals who enter and are released from prison, seven return for the same offence. 'This situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of current rehabilitation methods,' he said at the 2025 Crime Prevention and Inmate Resilience Building Programme for Sabah Zone at Dewan Toh Puan Halidah, Lahad Datu Prison. Lahad Datu Prison Director PKK Kalbin Mohd Said was also present. The programme was attended by 49 individuals, comprising prospects and Licensed Freed Persons (OBB) from Lahad Datu Prison. Tey said more effective prevention and treatment measures are needed to tackle the issue of drug addiction and distribution. He said the Crime Prevention and Inmate Resilience Building Programme is one of the initiatives aimed at addressing this issue. The programme, he added, is seen as a long-term social investment in the effort to build a safer and more inclusive society. 'Through this programme, emphasis is placed on building resilience among prospects as a foundation for starting a more positive and productive life after release. 'The programme also gives prospects the opportunity to identify their personal potential and the triggers of their past criminal behaviour, as well as to develop skills for managing emotions and life stress more effectively,' he explained. Tey said the programme includes activities focused on improving interpersonal skills and providing strategic psychosocial support to help prevent reoffending. He added that the transformation of each prospect aligns with the vision of the Prisons Department to become a Centre for the Development of Humanitarian Civilisation. Meanwhile, Segama Assemblyman Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi expressed confidence that the prospects are capable of returning to society as changed individuals. He also called on the community to accept former inmates with an open heart and to give them a second chance to rebuild their lives. 'Those who are about to be released can indeed be trusted to become good individuals, and we believe they will reintegrate into society. 'Therefore, prospects should make full use of the support provided, especially from their families, communities, and relevant agencies that are ready to help them get back on their feet,' he added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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