PENAMPANG: The MyPride Fest & Fair Zon Sabah 2025 kicked off today at ITCC Shopping Mall, offering the public a closer look at creative products and talents from inmates across the state’s prison institutions.
Based on promotional material these exhibitions reflect the potential of rehabilitation programs and the skills inmates can develop for their future reintegration into society.
Running from Sept 24 to 28, the event is organized by the Malaysian Prison Department and features exhibitions, sales, and interactive activities from 10 am to 9 pm daily.
Shoppers can browse a wide range of handcrafted items produced by inmates from Kota Kinabalu Women’s Prison, Kota Kinabalu Central Prison, PRP Tuaran, Tawau Prison, Sandakan Prison, Lahad Datu Prison, Henry Gurney School Keningau, and the Labuan Correctional Centre.
Beyond sales, the fair also highlights social engagement and rehabilitation. Wednesday will see a children’s coloring contest and performances by the Kota Kinabalu Prison buskers, while Thursday features “Messages from Prison,” sharing inspiring success stories, alongside a school-level public speaking competition.
On Friday, the Ministry of Health will conduct health screenings and a blood donation drive through Queen Elizabeth Hospital II’s Pathology and Blood Bank Unit.
The weekend will showcase cultural performances and entertainment, including a classic karaoke contest on Saturday, before the program concludes with a closing ceremony on Sunday.
The Malaysian Prison Department said the fair aims to change public perceptions of inmates while strengthening community ties.
