Rokiah Mahmud
A budget of 3.768 million has been approved to fund the upgrading and maintenance works at Maraburong Prison Phase 1 and 3, and Jerudong Prison, said Minister of of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman at yesterday’s 19th Legislative Council session.
The budget will also include the installation of close-circuit television (CCTV) systems, he said.
COMBATTING RECIDIVISM
The minister also outlined the Prisons Department programmes to prepare inmates for re-integration to society.
The programmes include providing vocational skills training such as woodworking, farming, cooking, and landscaping.
The minister said one initiative to help rehabilitate inmates is the INSAF programme, which encourages inmates to produce their own products.
These products are sold through expos and orders, and can help support their daily life after they are released, and tide them over while they look for jobs or start a business.
The Prisons Department also has an aftercare programme in collaboration with other agencies and organisations to help reintergrate former inmates.
“Since 2018, a total of 82 stakeholders have participated in the aftercare programmes, including 14 non-governmental organisations and 68 private companies that assist the rakan seliaan or Friend under Supervision community integration programmes.
The minister believes support from family members and the community is crucial in helping former inmates to be re-integrated by empowering their self-identity; and providing employment or supporting their business.
The community at large must give guidance and motivation for former inmates so they are not lured into repeating offences, he said, adding that it is a major factor that contributes to recidivism.
