Latest news with #PrisonsDepartment
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Abdullah Ang, inmate who had water bed in Kajang Prison, has died
PETALING JAYA: Ang Swee Kang, a former managing director of the now-defunct Malaysian Overseas Investment Corporation who sparked national outrage in 1989 for receiving luxury and privileged treatment while jailed in Kajang Prison, has died. Better known as Abdullah Ang, 79, he breathed his last on Wednesday (May 28) after a long illness. Ang, who was sentenced to eight years' jail and fined RM100,000 in 1986 for criminal breach of trust involving over RM338,000, was embroiled in another scandal just three years later during incarceration when an English-language daily revealed he was receiving special treatment in Kajang prison. It was reported that unbefitting for a prisoner, Ang's cell Was furnished with a carpet, refrigerator, TV, video player and a water bed. The newspaper also revealed that investigations revealed Ang, who was said to be close to the then-prime minister Tun Mahathir Mohamed, also frequently left prison grounds to manage his business in Kuala Lumpur. This triggered public uproar over preferential treatment for wealthy or well-connected inmates. Soon after, several prison officials faced inquiries and a shake-up of the Prisons Department followed. Ang's former legal adviser, Selva Sugumaran, who worked for Ang for over 25 years, told The Star that the businessman had been unwell for eight years and was frequently hospitalised. He said Ang had ventured into business soon after his release from prison and ran a latex glove manufacturing company. Selva, 64, said he and Ang stayed in touch over the years until his demise on Wednesday. Ang's funeral is scheduled for this coming Monday (June 2) in Kuala Lumpur.
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Expunging criminal records
THE Prisons Department has a good idea. It wants to expunge ex-inmates' criminal records from the central database after five years. This is to give former prisoners, once they are released, a chance to seek employment to rebuild their lives. For sure, the stigma of their criminal record will be a hurdle to start a new life. Despite the department's numerous programmes with willing employers, ex-inmates find it hard to get jobs. The job market is more hostile to former prisoners. It cannot be denied that there are businesses that employ ex-inmates, but they are few. Plus, they don't pay much. Yes, everyone must be given a second chance, but it must be done in such a manner that it doesn't end up as another money-making scheme for those who are put in charge of this. To be fair to the Prisons Department, it didn't say anything about contracting out anything, but this caveat needs to be entered, as outsourcing by government agencies at times turns out to be just that. But we are getting ahead of the story. First things first. Amendments need to be made to the Registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons Act 1969 (Act 7), which the Prisons Department is drafting. As we understand from what Prisons Department director-general Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak told Utusan Malaysia, every year, more than 300,000 prisoners and remand detainees are released. That is a huge number. Will the records of all of them be expunged after five years? Not quite. Only the ones who exhibit good behaviour based on assessments by the department. Meticulously done, we hope. Why five years? In the view of Aziz, who has been in charge of prisoners for some time, five years is enough for inmates to change for the better. It is not exactly a best practice of prisons around the world, but five years has become a global indicator. In the United States, where recidivism is said to be high, with 76 per cent ending up back in jail, five years is thought to be not good for all prisoners. We are not sure if our Prisons Department has done such a study, but five years may work for some, and not for others. Again, meticulous assessment is the key. Another is to deepen investments in inmates' education so that they can walk out of the prison with provable skills. Not that the department isn't investing in the education of its inmates, but more needs to be done. The skills must be useful to the job market, meaning what is taught must match what the employers want. Even our universities are not doing a good job of this. No one wants a formerly incarcerated person to return to the overcrowded prisons, least of all the Prisons Department. Relapse among ex-inmates means a bigger budget to house and feed them, which it can ill afford. So, too, the ex-inmates because losing the second chance means that there won't be a third. Employers must help them make a fresh start.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- The Hindu
Elderly couple found dead
An elderly couple were found dead near a village tank in Madurai district on Saturday The Othakadai police said that Dhanraj, 68, and Alagumuthu, 60, were living in Samayanallur. He was a rice merchant. The couple had come here to visit the family deity. Though the real cause for the death was not known, inquiries revealed that they had no children for long years. The bodies were sent to the Government Rajaji Hospital for post-mortem. Further investigation is on. (Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State's health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050 and Speak2Us helpline at 9375493754.) Officers transferred The Prisons Department has transferred 16 officers in the rank of assistant jailors working in many southern districts on Saturday. The orders were issued to the officials working in Madurai, Palayamkottai Central Prisons and in other district/sub-jails, including Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi and Kuzhithurai.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Asean Summit booths showcase culture and heritage
Prisons Department officer Sergeant Major Zulkifli Jusoh showing a tanjak and a piece of batik cloth at the Prisons Department booth in the product exhibitions and booths hall in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre..—AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star. KUALA LUMPUR: Just past the security cordons of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre where the 46th Asean Summit and related summits are being held, another showcase is unfolding. Apart from the focus on policies, Malaysian product exhibitions and booths are on full display, with delegates and visitors alike getting to experience the country's diversity and cultural heritage. "It is a chance for us to see what Malaysia's diverse cultures offer. "We're interested in looking at all different aspects, especially Malaysian batik," said Vietnam national Chi Lan, who visited the exhibition with her daughter and aunt. P. Vijayakumar, 48, said the exhibition enables him and his two children, who also tagged along, to learn more about Asean. "My kids are also learning about Asean in their textbooks, so this is a chance to expose them to the Summit,' he said. Around the hall, various booths highlight Malaysia's cultures, including hand-painted batik artwork. As he works on an intricate piece, Ahmad Fathil Othman noted how batik is one of Malaysia's most popular tourism products that showcases the country's heritage. "We hope batik can go further. I am also hoping that I can play a role to help the art reach greater heights internationally,' said the 51-year-old, who is more popularly known as Padil Osman. The crowds were also entertained with a traditional sewang dance performed by the Temiar community from Kampung Orang Asli Batu 12 in Gombak. Accompanying the troupe of dancers were the melodious sounds of bamboo instruments. The Prisons Department booth was also a hit, with many coming to see the works produced by inmates including batik shirts, songket and pastries. The items were produced across the Marang, Penor, Bentong, Pengkalan Chepa and Machang prisons as well as the Kajang Women's prison. There are also specially crafted headgear, made by inmates, which are to be presented as souvenirs for leaders attending the summits.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Prisons Dept proposes amendments to clear ex-inmates' records after 5 years
KUALA LUMPUR: The Prisons Department is in the process of drafting amendments to the Registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons Act 1969 (Act 7) to allow the criminal records of former inmates to be expunged from the central database after five years. This initiative aims to give former prisoners a chance to seek employment and rebuild their lives without being burdened by the stigma of their past. However, the expungement of criminal records will be carried out based on assessments by the department, taking into account the former inmates' good behaviour. This will help them find employment and support themselves after being released from prison. Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, Prisons Department director-general Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak said each year, more than 300,000 prisoners and remand detainees are released, yet their records remain in the central database for life, making it difficult for them to find jobs. "The five-year period is a critical time for someone to change, and if they show good behaviour during this time, why should they continue to be punished by their records? Abdul Aziz said the five-year period is an appropriate time for retaining someone's records in the database. "Five years is considered suitable as it is a benchmark used in other countries. The most critical time for change is within two years. If someone has demonstrated good behaviour over five years, why would they want to return to crime?" he added. This proposal has received support from various parties advocating for reform in the criminal record registration system to help former prisoners reintegrate into society more effectively. In 2014, the idea of removing the requirement to declare past criminal records on job application forms was brought forward by Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who was then Deputy Home Minister. The proposed amendment is seen as a progressive move towards giving ex-convicts a second chance, potentially reducing recidivism and contributing to social stability. The Prisons Department hopes the amendment will be approved soon so that former inmates who have changed and shown good behaviour can be removed from the criminal record list, thus opening a new chapter in their lives. This initiative not only reflects the country's commitment to social rehabilitation but is also in line with international practices that provide individuals who have made mistakes the opportunity for personal reform.
