Latest news with #PBSL


New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Inmate named Aidiladha among 54 freed ahead of Aidiladha celebration
BENTONG: A man named Aidiladha was among 54 inmates in Pahang released under the Licensed Release of Prisoners Programme (PBSL), in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha this Saturday. The 26-year-old had been convicted of minor drug trafficking last year and was sentenced to 14 months in prison. Having been in and out of prison three times, he was originally scheduled for release this August. "I'm grateful to be released earlier than expected, but this Aidiladha feels meaningless as my family has remained silent. "They didn't come to pick me up after my release. "I'm fortunate to have secured a job immediately upon my release today. I want to begin a meaningful new chapter in life, especially one free from drugs," he said. He was among the 54 inmates from Bentong and Penor Prisons in Kuantan who were released during the PBSL Ihsan Madani 2025 ceremony, held in conjunction with Aidiladha at the Dewan Perdana, Bentong Prison, recently. Another inmate, Ayu, 30, was also released under the same programme. She had been sentenced to 12 months in prison for drug-related offences and had previously served time once before. Ayu was initially scheduled to be released in August. "I miss my two children, aged 10 and 13. I can't wait to celebrate Aidiladha with them. I'm sure they miss me too," she said.


New Straits Times
2 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
555 inmates released on licence ahead of Aidiladha under Ihsan Madani programme
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 555 inmates nationwide were released today under the Ihsan Madani Licensed Prissoner Release Programme (PBSL) in conjunction with the upcoming Aidiladha celebration. In a statement yesterday, the Malaysian Prisons Department said that the initiative aims to provide eligible inmates with the opportunity to reunite with their families and reintegrate into society, in line with national rehabilitation and social reintegration efforts. Johor recorded the highest number of releases with 83 inmates, followed by Sabah (82), Sarawak (68), Terengganu (67), Pahang (54), Selangor (51), Penang (45), Kedah (28), Perak and Negeri Sembilan (25 each), Perlis (15) and Kelantan (12). "The programme is carried out in conjunction with national festive celebrations to support the rehabilitation process and encourage the successful reintegration of eligible prospects into society," the department said. Including previous releases granted during Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Kaamatan and Gawai, a total of 1,934 inmates have benefited from PBSL so far this year. Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 57,779 inmates were released under the scheme, with 2024 marking the highest annual figure at 20,578, followed by 2023 (15,180), 2022 (8,412), 2021 (3,517) and 2020 (1,938). PBSL is available to inmates serving prison sentences of under three years, as well as to vulnerable groups and pregnant women serving terms of less than four years. To qualify, inmates must have completed rehabilitation programmes, demonstrated good behaviour and secured a suitable guarantor. – BERNAMA


The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
555 inmates released on licence ahead of Aidiladha under Ihsan MADANI Programme
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 555 inmates nationwide were released today under the Ihsan MADANI Licensed Prisoner Release Programme (PBSL) in conjunction with the upcoming Aidiladha celebration. In a statement today, the Malaysian Prisons Department said that the initiative aims to provide eligible inmates with the opportunity to reunite with their families and reintegrate into society, in line with national rehabilitation and social reintegration efforts. Johor recorded the highest number of releases with 83 inmates, followed by Sabah (82), Sarawak (68), Terengganu (67), Pahang (54), Selangor (51), Penang (45), Kedah (28), Perak and Negeri Sembilan (25 each), Perlis (15) and Kelantan (12). 'The programme is carried out in conjunction with national festive celebrations to support the rehabilitation process and encourage the successful reintegration of eligible prospects into society,' the department said. Including previous releases granted during Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Kaamatan and Gawai, a total of 1,934 inmates have benefited from PBSL so far this year. Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 57,779 inmates were released under the scheme, with 2024 marking the highest annual figure at 20,578, followed by 2023 (15,180), 2022 (8,412), 2021 (3,517) and 2020 (1,938). PBSL is available to inmates serving prison sentences of under three years, as well as to vulnerable groups and pregnant women serving terms of less than four years. To qualify, inmates must have completed rehabilitation programmes, demonstrated good behaviour and secured a suitable guarantor.


The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
555 inmates released on licence ahead of Aidiladha
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 555 inmates nationwide were released today under the Ihsan MADANI Licensed Prisoner Release Programme (PBSL) in conjunction with the upcoming Aidiladha celebration. In a statement today, the Malaysian Prisons Department said that the initiative aims to provide eligible inmates with the opportunity to reunite with their families and reintegrate into society, in line with national rehabilitation and social reintegration efforts. Johor recorded the highest number of releases with 83 inmates, followed by Sabah (82), Sarawak (68), Terengganu (67), Pahang (54), Selangor (51), Penang (45), Kedah (28), Perak and Negeri Sembilan (25 each), Perlis (15) and Kelantan (12). 'The programme is carried out in conjunction with national festive celebrations to support the rehabilitation process and encourage the successful reintegration of eligible prospects into society,' the department said. Including previous releases granted during Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Kaamatan and Gawai, a total of 1,934 inmates have benefited from PBSL so far this year. Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 57,779 inmates were released under the scheme, with 2024 marking the highest annual figure at 20,578, followed by 2023 (15,180), 2022 (8,412), 2021 (3,517) and 2020 (1,938). PBSL is available to inmates serving prison sentences of under three years, as well as to vulnerable groups and pregnant women serving terms of less than four years. To qualify, inmates must have completed rehabilitation programmes, demonstrated good behaviour and secured a suitable guarantor.


The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Elderly inmate grateful for early release
KLUANG: Kluang Prison today released 72 inmates, including a senior citizen, Pak Man (not his real name), under the Ihsan MADANI Licensed Prisoner Release Programme (PBSL). Sitting quietly with a smile that occasionally gave way to tears, Pak Man, 73, who has been detained since February this year on drug-related charges, did not expect his release to be brought forward from the original release date this December. 'I did not expect this. The prison authorities informed me that my release was brought forward due to several factors, including my good behaviour throughout detention,' he said when met at the PBSL Ihsan MADANI release programme held here today in conjunction with Aidiladha. Pak Man, who has 14 grandchildren, was twice incarcerated in Melaka. 'Three times is enough... I don't want to repeat the same mistakes. While in prison, I missed my family dearly, especially during this year's Aidilfitri. I celebrated it alone. What I missed most was my wife's cooking, especially her rendang,' he said, adding that he is looking forward to celebrating Aidiladha with his wife, six children and all his grandchildren in Segamat. Pak Man's wife, who wished to be known only as Mak Nab, 60, described her husband's release as the most precious gift, especially as she is currently battling stage four kidney disease. 'I don't ask for much... just that he doesn't repeat his past mistakes. For this festive season, all our children have returned to the village, and the most meaningful gift is having my husband by my side,' she added. Meanwhile, Kluang Prison Deputy Director, Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Jomison Gondikit, said that 69 male and three female inmates were released early under the programme. He explained that the selection was meticulously carried out through two main phases, focusing on religious aspects and discipline during incarceration. 'This programme is more than a conditional release. It is a symbol of compassion, hope, and a second chance for those who have genuinely shown remorse and positive change,' he added.