Kota Kinabalu: The number of inmates in prisons statewide currently total over 8,000, comprising both men and women with 55 per cent comprising foreigners.
“The majority of their cases are drug-related,” said Sabah and FT Labuan Prison Director, Deputy Commissioner Nora Musa.
She said there are no plans to build a new prison facility in Sabah and the latest was Lahad Datu Prison.
Speaking at a breaking of fast with inmates at Kota Kinabalu Prison Central, she said the department is reducing congestion by introducing a parole system and a licensed release system, allowing selected inmates, to reintegrate into the community.
“Since there is an increasing number of inmates each year, the department encourages rehabilitation within the community.
“We release inmates early to undergo rehabilitation through the parole and licensed release systems.
“In addition, they will also go through the process of reintegration and resettlement,” Nora said.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister (Religious Affairs), Datuk Ruslan Muharam, officiated the event.
Also present were Kota Kinabalu Prisons Director, Senior Assistant Commissioner Hamdan Salleh Majin and others.
Eighty 80 inmates or prospects were chosen to attend the event.
Hamdan said participants undergo a selection process through three screening phases.
“When they first enter, they will undergo a rehabilitation programme. Most of those selected are from phase three,” he said.
He said, in the prison system, phase one consists of a two-month orientation, where after this period, inmates are assessed to determine their eligibility for phase two.
And those who do not qualify must repeat phase one.
“After phase one, if they qualify, they will proceed to phase two, which is a six-month character-building programme. This phase includes a TC (Therapy Community) programme, which focuses on drug offenders and educational guidance.
“After six months, they will be assessed again. If they qualify, they will move on to phase three, which focuses on skills training.
“In phase three, there is no fixed duration, inmates will remain in this phase until they are released,” he said.
“My greatest hope for them is their freedom. Once released, I hope they do not return to prison. Staying out of prison allows them to support their families financially, as all of them here are men.”
He said the event is an annual programme and a key component of the rehabilitation process.
“Each year, we organise programmes for both Muslims and non-Muslims in conjunction with festive celebrations. We also invite VVIPs to attend,” he said.
Earlier, Ruslan, who is also Lumadan Assemblyman, said he was informed of the establishment of a Tahfiz school at Kota Kinabalu Central Prison, which received official registration approval in January 2025.
He said Maahad Tahfiz Al-Quran Darul Falah is the first Tahfiz School established under the State Prison Department.
“This is a noble initiative that deserves support and attention from all parties. Collaboration and direct involvement from religious agencies such as the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis), the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains), the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) Yadim, and other Islamic NGOs are essential.”