THE community rehabilitation approach will be the main choice of the Prisons Department by 2030 to reduce repeat crimes among prisoners, Prisons Department director-general Nordin Muhamad said.

He said the method is proven to be 50 times more effective at reducing recidivism (repeat offences) than imprisonment.

“By 2030, we (Prisons Department) will ensure that eligible inmates are given the opportunity to undergo rehabilitation in the community, imprisonment will only be the last correctional option.

“The option will be given to rehabilitation efforts through strategic integration in the community which currently shows 50 times more effectivity in reducing the rate of recidivism,” he said.

He was speaking at the Prisons Department’s Hari Raya event with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Murad Ahmad Hall, Sungai Buloh Prison in Selangor today.

Also present were Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and his deputy Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.

According to Nordin, the effort is in line with the department’s reform agenda which is being actively implemented.

He also expressed his appreciation to the prime minister for setting aside RM50 million in Budget 2023 to refurbish the staff quarters of the Prisons Department.

“Of that amount, RM12 million will be channelled to repair staff quarters at Sungai Buloh Prison,” he said. – Bernama, May 6, 2023.