LAHAD DATU: The construction of the Lahad Datu Prison Complex is evident of the Government’s commitment to maintaining public safety and order, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
He said the complex is the newest prison institution in Sabah.
The complex began construction in 2017 and was completed through the design and build method at a cost of RM176 million which was approved in the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK11).
The Lahad Datu Prison Complex was completed in March 2023 and officially began operations from Oct 3, 2023.
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He said this at the inauguration ceremony of the Lahad Datu Prison Complex which was officiated Sabah Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, here, Tuesday.
Also present were State Community Development and People’s Welfare Minister Datuk James Ratib, representing Chief Minister, Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Datuk Mohamad Yusof Apdal, Deputy Secretary General (Management) of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Commissioner General of Prisons Datuk Seri Nordin Muhamad.
According to Shamsul Anuar, Lahad Datu Prison is seen as a transformation of an old prison into the most modern prison in Malaysia equipped with an Integrated Electronic Security System (SKEB).
“It is also one of the landmarks in the Lahad Datu District, especially in the aspect of community safety infrastructure development.
“This is in line with the Government’s desire to restore the confidence of the people, especially in the Lahad Datu district, to the level of national security after it was shaken by the invasion of a group of armed terrorists from the South of the Philippines,” said Shamsul Anuar.
“In addition, the operation of the Lahad Datu Prison Complex can also help reduce the issue of prison overcrowding experienced by other prison Institutions, especially in the State of Sabah, such as Kota Kinabalu Central Prison, Tawau Prison, Sandakan Prison and Labuan Correctional Centre.
“This is a positive step in improving the quality of detention by emphasising the aspect of treatment for prospects while serving their sentence,” he said.
Shamsul Anuar said the complex has been gazetted as the Lahad Datu Moral Rehabilitation Centre and the Lahad Datu Special Rehabilitation Centre, which is expected to house prisoners in the near future.
He said the role of prisons today is not only as a punishment execution agency but as a rehabilitation institution for prospects before they return to society.
“This matter is in line with the direction of the Prisons Department as a Centre for the Development of a Humane Cultural Civilisation which emphasises on high-impact rehabilitation to return lost people to become law-abiding citizens both spiritually and physically.
“It is our great hope that with better facilities, prospects will get a second chance to improve themselves through rehabilitation programmes inside and outside prison after returning to society as useful individuals and subsequently able to generate national income,” he added.
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