11-05-2025
Another chance for 49 from three centres
Published on: Sunday, May 11, 2025
Published on: Sun, May 11, 2025 Text Size: An MOE facilitator receiving a certificate of appreciation from Nora. KOTA KINABALU: Prison walls are no barrier to transformation — that is the core message of the Hijrah Kasih Program, now in its 16th edition, as 49 inmates from three rehabilitation institutions in Sabah were given a chance to change their life paths through education and character development. The program, jointly organized by the Malaysian Prisons Department and the Ministry of Education (MOE), is seen as a catalyst for change not only for the participants, but also for their families and surrounding communities. Director of the Corrections Division, Prison Commissioner Nora Musa, said quality education is the foundation for rehabilitation and character-building, especially for younger generations. 'The Prisons Department's vision of being a leader in corrective services cannot be achieved without close collaboration with external stakeholders, particularly in the areas of education and human development. 'Hijrah Kasih is not merely a program to fill time — it is a platform for inmates to reflect on themselves, correct their past mistakes, and chart a better path forward,' she said during the closing ceremony of Hijrah Kasih at Sekolah Integriti, Kota Kinabalu Central Prison. Nora added that the program's approach, which focuses on character development and human values, has proven to be effective and has established a legacy of rehabilitation since it was first introduced in 2012 at Henry Gurney School, Telok Mas, Melaka. A highlight of the three-day program's closing ceremony was the presence of parents, symbolizing emotional strength and moral support for their children undergoing rehabilitation. 'The presence of family members shows that love has never been severed, even when separated by prison walls. It becomes a powerful motivation for the inmates to continue striving to be better individuals,' said Nora. The program involved students from Sekolah Integriti Kota Kinabalu, Henry Gurney School for Women in Kota Kinabalu, and Henry Gurney School in Keningau. Throughout the event, held from May 6 to 8, 2025, participants engaged in various modules focusing on character development, leadership, and spiritual growth. In closing, Nora urged the participants to treat this experience as a stepping stone toward self-improvement and to prove they can contribute meaningfully to their families, society, and the nation. 'Let these walls mark the end of past mistakes. Rise, and prove that you are capable of choosing a noble path,' she said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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