All stakeholders should collaborate and contribute to building a responsible and law-abiding society under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, said Acting Director of Prisons Bahrin bin Yassin.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to learn about the importance of self-control in combating crime and reducing recidivism. I hope that the staff at the Prisons Department will find this knowledge valuable and integrate it into their daily work,” he said during the Prisons Department’s first-ever intellectual discourse event titled ‘Low Self-Control in the Context of Crime and Society’.
The event, attended by around 200 participants at the Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, aimed to improve the Prisons Department staff’s understanding of low self- control and its role in combating crime and reducing recidivism.
Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Adjunct Professor Dr Zafari bin Zulkifli presented his research on the Low Self-Control Theory, which suggests that individuals with low self-control are more likely to engage in various forms of crime. His study involved interviewing 181 male inmates at Kajang Prison in Selangor, Malaysia.
Dr Zafari also discussed the Routine Activity Theory, which outlines the three elements necessary for crime: a motivated offender, a suitable target and a lack of capable guardianship.
The event sought to deepen the audience’s understanding of the factors driving criminal behaviour, the social implications of crime and potential preventive measures. Government officials, community leaders, corporate representatives, and academics attended the discourse.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Safety and Welfare) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Nor Hamidah binti Haji Hamidon was the guest of honour.
The event was supported by Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam. – Fadley Faisal
