‘Sarawak prison has lowest recidivism rate in country’

Fatimah hitting the gong to declare open the programme with Andri (centre) and Ajidin looking on.

Sarawak has the lowest recidivism rate among prisoners in the country.

In announcing this, state Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the rate of former prisoners in Sarawak returning to prison as repeat offenders was the lowest not only in Malaysia but compared to many other countries too.

“The recidivism rate in Sarawak is 98 out of 100,000, which is among the lowest in the world.

“From January until August, the recidivism rate was 3.54%,” said Fatimah after launching a Licensed Release of Inmates (PBSL) programme at Malay Union Club Hall in Sibu.

She said several integrated programmes were addressing drug and substance abuse issues at the district and state levels.

The minister said drug and substance abuse was given priority because of its connection with other social issues such as property crime, domestic violence, family problems and teenage pregnancy.

She said according to Sarawak Prisons Department records, 1,274 prisoners were imprisoned for drug and substance abuse activities in 2021.

“Sarawak Social Development Council (SDC) is spearheading several integrated programmes to address drug and substance issues since August 2018,” she added.

On PBSL, Fatimah said it was a privilege granted to deserving prisoners for reasons such as strengthening family ties and finding job opportunities.

In addition, PBSL also aims to reduce overcrowding in prisons and allows prisoners to serve their sentences outside, including through community rehabilitation programmes.

Also present were national Prisons Department representative Comm Ajidin Salleh and Sarawak Prison Department director DCP Mohd Andri Ridzwan. — By ANDY CHUA