RATE OF SARAWAK PRISONS RECIDIVISM LOWEST IN COUNTRY-SAIFUDDIN NASUTION

KUCHING, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The recidivism rate or repeated admission of prisoners in Sarawak Prisons is the lowest in Malaysia at 12.7 per cent.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that according to the statistics in 2023, the lowest recidivism rate showed the effectiveness of the rehabilitation programme being implemented.

“In addition, the prison overcrowding rate, which was only recorded at 13.2 per cent, is much better than the international standard rate of 20 per cent.

“This is based on the achievement of four key performance indicators (KPIs), namely overcrowding rate, remand rate, recidivism rate and imprisonment that meet international standards,” he said at the opening ceremony of the Songket Sri Kenyalang Complex of Puncak Borneo Prison, here today.

Also present was the Commissioner General of Prisons Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak.

He said that the recidivism rate among participants in the community rehabilitation programme in prison was also only recorded at 0.24 per cent, which is much lower than the general rate of 18.6 per cent.

He said that the close cooperation between the Sarawak Prisons Department, Sarawak Social Development Council (MPSS), National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also strengthened an inclusive and comprehensive rehabilitation approach, especially to address drug issues and conforming to community.

Therefore, he said, the initiative under the community rehabilitation programme must continue to be supported by all parties because the recidivism rate among former prisoners is seen to be decreasing.

"The success of the programme proves that the new approach in the rehabilitation system and modern prison management is now increasingly effective, especially when it emphasises skills training and self-development for individuals who are serving sentences.

"If the recidivism rate is low, then programmes like this should continue to be supported. In fact, while they are in prison, the training and skills provided play an important role in assisting the rehabilitation process," he said.

According to him, the concept of a modern prison does not only functions as a place of punishment, but also as a rehabilitation centre that better prepares individuals to return to society.

Regarding the establishment of the songket complex, Saifuddin Nasution said it is a platform to build a better future through heritage conservation, design innovation and human empowerment and not just a correctional process.

-- BERNAMA