‘Community rehab to be main approach for reducing repeated offences’

SG BULOH – Community rehabilitation will be the main approach by the Prisons Department by 2030 to reduce repeated offences, said its Director-General Datuk Nordin Muhamad.

He said the method has proven to be 50 times more effective in reducing recidivism than imprisonment.

“By 2030, we (the department) will ensure that two thirds of eligible inmates are given the opportunity to undergo rehabilitation in the community, imprisonment will only be the last correctional option,” he said.

He was speaking at the Prisons Department’s Aidilfitri celebration ceremony with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Tan Sri Murad Ahmad Hall, Sg Buloh Prison here today.

Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and his deputy Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.

According to Nordin, the effort is in line with the department’s reform agenda.

In the meantime, Nordin also expressed his appreciation to the prime minister for channelling RM50 million in funds through Budget 2023 to refurbish the quarters of Prison Department staff.

“From the amount, RM12 million will be channelled to repair staff quarters at Sg Buloh Prison,” he said. – Bernama, May 5, 2023