Kota Kinabalu: Prison inmates are urged to make full use of the second chance given after their release to work hard and reintegrate into society.
Director of Prisons for Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan Nora Musa said they should strive for a new, better and more positive life.
AdvertisementShe emphasised that the opportunity given was invaluable and should not be wasted, when officiating the Licensed Prisoner Release Programme (PBSL), Ihsan Madani, in conjunction with Christmas Celebration 2024.
Kepayan Assemblywoman Janie Lasimbang, echoing similar sentiment, highlighted the significant challenges faced by former prisoners in their efforts to “return” to society, including losing the support of loved ones and the community.
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“Additionally, they may be tempted by negative influences from old friends, which could draw them back to their previous lifestyle. This can lead to rejection from their families and communities due to doubts and persistent negative perceptions that are hard to overcome.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Without options or acceptance from society, they are more likely to relapse,” she said.
Janie said families play a crucial role in providing emotional support to former prisoners.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“No one is perfect. Everyone, including those released, has weaknesses and shortcomings, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be given a chance to change for the better.
“Communities must open their minds and provide opportunities and space for them to grow and improve.”
She hoped for collaboration between the private and public sectors, to provide inclusive employment opportunities for former prisoners.
The PBSL programme initiated in 2020, aimed at providing second chances to prisoners meeting specific criteria and has seen positive growth.
"From January to November this year, about 2,113 prisoners were granted licensed freedom, bringing the cumulative total since the programme’s inception to 4,605.
“This demonstrates the Malaysian Prison Department’s commitment to ensuring that two-thirds of inmates are given the opportunity to undergo rehabilitation outside prison facilities through strategic community integration by 2030,” she said.
In the programme, 37 prisoners received licensed freedom, including one from the Kota Kinabalu Women’s Prison and 36 from the Kota Kinabalu Central Prison.
“These individuals have completed one-third of their sentence in prison and continued their rehabilitation under the Community Rehabilitation programme, finishing the remainder of their sentence outside prison facilities,” she said.