Latest news with #MalaysianPrisonsDepartment

The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Offenders compulsory attendance order to reduce prison overcrowding, says Shamsul Anuar
KUALA LUMPUR: The Offenders Compulsory Attendance (Amendment) Bill 2025, that passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (July 28), aims to reduce prison overcrowding among other matters, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah says. The bill, among others, would allow Offenders Compulsory Attendance (PKW) to be given to offenders convicted of offences punishable by imprisonment of not more than 10 years, compared to the current imprisonment of not more than three years. Dr Shamsul said Malaysian Prisons Department statistics as of July 22 showed that there were 83,827 people in prison facilities, while 5,759 were undergoing rehabilitation in the community. "If you look at the actual capacity, the department's facilities can accommodate only 76,311 prisoners," he said when winding up the debate on the bill. Shamsul Anuar said the issue of prison overcrowding could cause an unconducive environment and have negative implications, such as the risk of spreading diseases among prisoners and prison staff. In addition, it could reduce the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes, security risks due to unusual events such as riots and strikes, as well as worsen the government's financial burden. Meanwhile, Shamsul Anuar said that from 2010 to date, a total of 8,227 offenders have undergone PKW with a success rate of 94.5%, while only 5.25% had their orders cancelled. He said among the modules implemented through PKW were intervention programmes, spirituality, counselling, religion and related courses. The sitting continues on Tuesday. - Bernama

Barnama
2 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Offenders Compulsory Attendance Order To Reduce Prison Overcrowding
KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- The Offenders Compulsory Attendance (Amendment) Bill 2025 passed in the Dewan Rakyat today, among other things, aims to reduce prison overcrowding, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah. He said based on statistics on the number of prisoners under the Malaysian Prisons Department as of July 22, a total of 83,827 people were in prison facilities, while another 5,759 were undergoing rehabilitation in the community. "If you look at the actual capacity, Malaysian Prisons Department facilities can accommodate only 76,311 prisoners," he said when winding up the debate on the bill. Shamsul Anuar said the issue of prison overcrowding could cause an unconducive environment and have negative implications such as the risk of spreading diseases among prisoners and prison staff. In addition, it could reduce the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes, security risks due to unusual events such as riots and strikes, as well as increasing the government's financial burden. The bill, among others, is to allow Offenders Compulsory Attendance (PKW) to be given to offenders convicted of offences punishable by imprisonment of not more than 10 years, compared to the current imprisonment of not more than three years. Meanwhile, Shamsul Anuar said from 2010 to date, a total of 8,227 offenders have undergone PKW with a success rate of 94.5 per cent, while only 5.25 per cent had their orders cancelled. He said among the modules implemented through PKW were intervention programmes, spirituality, counselling, religion and related courses. The sitting continues tomorrow.


The Sun
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
MADANI wellness sports carnival boosts inmate rehabilitation in Malaysia
BENTONG: The MADANI Wellness Sports Carnival 2025, organised by the Malaysian Prisons Department, has successfully fostered discipline and personal growth among inmates. Prisons Commissioner-General Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak highlighted the event's role in rehabilitation and emotional resilience. Abdul Aziz emphasised that sports serve as more than just competitions. 'Sports is not just competitions, it is a form of self-training to manage emotions, accept defeat, celebrate victory, and most importantly, build resilience to face life's challenges.' The carnival, which concluded recently, saw participation from 261 inmates across 26 prisons nationwide. Activities included futsal, sepak takraw, netball, bodybuilding, arm wrestling, and traditional games like tug of war and congkak. Abdul Aziz noted that prisons now function as rehabilitation centres rather than mere punitive institutions. 'Prisons have become platforms for rehabilitation and human development, with sports being one of the approaches we use to guide inmates from the darkness of their past towards a brighter future.' The event was organised in collaboration with the Malaysian Prison Friends Club Association, reinforcing the department's commitment to holistic inmate rehabilitation. - Bernama


Daily Express
27-06-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Stepping up rehab of inmates
Published on: Friday, June 27, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 27, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Ahmad Faudzi handing over the prize to the Director of Kota Kinabalu Women's Prison. SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Prisons Department is stepping up efforts to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of former inmates through its community-based programme involving selected participants referred to as 'prospects'. Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons (Rehabilitation) DCP Ahmad Faudzi Awang said the department is addressing the public stigma surrounding ex-prisoners by shifting how they are perceived. 'Initially, society tends to reject former inmates. That's why we now refer to them as prospects – individuals with potential who can be guided,' he said. He noted that outward change alone is insufficient, and that prospects must also demonstrate personal growth in behaviour and discipline. 'If they want acceptance, they must take the first step. We stress the importance of self-confidence and a positive attitude for them to be seen differently,' he said. Ahmad Faudzi said more than 600 employers have come forward to offer job opportunities, showing growing acceptance from the private sector. 'Industry involvement is crucial. It helps provide income for the prospects while also supporting national efforts to reduce dependence on foreign labour,' he said. He emphasised that training and skills acquired during incarceration equip prospects to compete in the open job market. This, he said, strengthens social reintegration efforts and contributes to the economy. 'It's time we stop viewing them as liabilities. They can serve as a capable workforce,' he said. Ahmad Faudzi spoke to reporters after officiating the 2025 Islamic Arts Festival for inmates from Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan, held at the Taman Wira Hall, Sandakan Prison. Also present was Sabah and Labuan Prisons Director, DCP Tey Hock Soon. The three-day event involved 120 prospects, including 88 men and 32 women from eight prisons across Sabah and Labuan, competing in various religious-themed contests. Tey said the programme is an annual initiative led by the Religious and Counselling Division at the Prisons Department headquarters, aimed at developing inmates' character through spiritual activities. Kota Kinabalu Prison was named overall champion in the male category, while Kota Kinabalu Women's Prison took the overall champion title for the female category. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

Barnama
14-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Gold Thread Embroidery Products By Tapah Prison: An Attraction At Perak PMR 2025 In Lumut
REGION - NORTHERN > NEWS LUMUT, June 14 (Bernama) -- The intricate gold thread embroidery crafted by Tapah Prison inmates was among the main attractions on the second day of the Perak MADANI Rakyat (PMR) 2025 Programme at Lumut Waterfront. The Malaysian Prisons Department, in its efforts to promote traditional Perak handicrafts, showcased a variety of products featuring this delicate art of embroidery, including pillowcases, handbags, wallets and keychains, at the Perak PMR 2025, which runs from yesterday until tomorrow. A prison officer there, Siti Faiazah Ibrahim, said the prison is showcasing the products to promote the embroidery art originating from Kuala Kangsar, while introducing the beauty of Perak's cultural heritage to a wider audience. bootstrap slideshow "The embroidery made by the female inmates of Tapah Prison mostly uses traditional motifs such as hibiscus and chrysanthemum, but we also have modern motifs, such as heart shapes and letters, to attract the interest of the younger generation,' she told Bernama, here today. According to her, Tapah Prison is also the only prison that offers embroidery as a specialised rehabilitation skill for both female and male inmates. Siti Faiazah said the gold thread embroidery products on display received an overwhelmingly positive response, with most of the items selling out. Yesterday, products featuring gold thread embroidery, such as small handbags and wallets, were almost sold out. We have limited sales, of up to 10 to 15 pieces a day for the three-day event,' she said. Apart from the gold thread product exhibition, she said the Malaysian Prisons Department was also promoting various products such as pastries and ceramic handicrafts, produced by inmates at the Batu Gajah Prison and Taiping Prison, respectively. Themed 'Pendidikan Tinggi, Pemacu Negara MADANI', the Perak PMR 2025 featured more than 200 live services, including knowledge sharing sessions, exhibitions, health screenings, advisory services and various activities for all levels of society.