SKYPE has become the new normal bridge to connect prisoners at Kelantan prisons with their loved ones since the movement-control order (MCO) was implemented in March.

Kelantan Prison director Mat Yaacob said the prison is using the application at the Machang Moral Rehabilitation Centre and the Desa Pahlawan Camp Reintegration Centre to replace the physical face-to-face meeting as conducted in prison.

“The approach is seen as more effective and better to connect prisoners with their families and to ensure we adhere to the standard operating procedure (SOP) to curb the spread of Covid-19,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters at the Pengkalan Chepa Prison after carrying out an inspection of online meetings between prisoners and their families, which was also attended by Pengkalan Chepa Prison director Wan Sani Ab Latiff.

Commenting further, Mat said each prisoner was given 45 minutes for each Skype session with their family and it is dependent on the quality of internet access used by both parties.

He, however, said the online meeting has its challenges, especially when the prisoner’s family do not have internet access or device.

“The prison is still providing its other initiative via Myphone and wartel to enable prisoners keep in touch with the families.

“On the overall, we have 10 telephones for this method in the state and two devices for each block, especially for families with internet problems,” he said

Mat said the initiative could motivate prisoners to continue treatment and rehabilitation in prison.

Meanwhile, a prisoner known as Abu, in his 30’s, who was jailed for gang robbery, said Skype is something different and facilitates both sides to communicate even during the MCO.

“I have been in prison since 2009 and am not familiar with this sophisticated technology. But we are grateful that with this application, I am able to talk to my father and siblings in Kuala Lumpur,” he added. – Bernama, June 4, 2020.