THE Residents’ Reintegration Centre (PRP) under the Prisons Department continues to demonstrate its effectiveness as a platform for rehabilitation and rebuilding inmates’ lives on a more positive path.
The centres, which serve as a second chance for eligible inmates, act as a preparatory stage for reintegration into society before they are placed on parole or released.
The inmates or residents are known as persons under supervision (ODS).
Some of these individuals and their superiors at centres in Selangor, Johor and Kelantan were interviewed by Bernama in conjunction with the Prisons Department’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri programme for inmates.
The department noted that facilitating family visits provided emotional motivation and moral support essential in preventing the inmates from ending up on the wrong side of the law again upon their release.
Family support vital
A resident at the Sepang PRP in Selangor, known as Syah, 41, said he underwent various skills training during his time at the centre.
Among them were food preparation to make cakes, doughnuts, pizza and sushi, as well as agricultural activities such as cultivating papayas, cucumbers and other vegetables.
“Compared to prison, it is more open here.
“The environment feels freer, but it is still strictly controlled and emphasises discipline.
“I also had the opportunity to perform tarawih prayers every night during Ramadan,” he said during the Aidilfitri celebration at Sepang PRP.
Syah previously served four years at Sungai Buloh Prison and one year at Kajang Prison for offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
The father-of-one is now preparing to begin a new chapter upon his release in May.
He was seen interacting warmly with his mother-in-law and his daughter who attended the event.
Another resident, Syamsul, 37, who has been held at Kajang Prison since 2021 and began his placement at Sepang PRP in October 2025, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join its programmes, including working at a courier company in Shah Alam.
“I may continue working there after my release, or help my wife with her printing business,” said the father-of-four who is scheduled to be released in October next year.
Asked about meeting his family during Aidilfitri, Syamsul admitted to feeling emotional and said that their support motivated him to change for the better.
“I regret my actions, but thankfully my wife and children understand. My youngest child was just over a year old when
I was sent to prison,” said Syamsul.
“The first thing I want to do after my release is go on a holiday with them,” he added.
Sepang PRP deputy chief Mohammad Hilmi Rasol said the family visit programme was an important platform to strengthen moral support for residents throughout their rehabilitation.
“We want to show that rehabilitation does not only take place within the institution; it also requires family support to ensure real change.
“We want them to return to society in a more normal state, without prejudice,” he stated.
Besides undergoing rehabilitation, Mohammad Hilmi said the residents were also given opportunities to work with private companies willing to employ them.
“Some firms have hired them in large numbers, reflecting confidence in the PRP system,” he highlighted.
Community acceptance of ODS has also improved, particularly through their involvement in activities such as community clean-ups and school programmes, added Mohammad Hilmi.
Spanning 18.61ha, Sepang PRP began operations on Jan 11, 2021, with a workforce of 86 personnel.
It currently houses 457 residents, of whom 280 are involved in industrial programmes outside the facility, working under the supervision of PRP officers.
Chance to earn income
Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations this year carry a different meaning for an ODS at the Kluang Inmate Reintegration Centre in Johor.
Shah, as he wished to be known, had the opportunity to give duit raya to his mother for the first time since being imprisoned.
The 38-year-old said he was able to do so after joining the Inmate Industrial Reintegration Programme (PRPI) seven months ago where he worked at a courier service company in Yong Peng, Batu Pahat.
He said the second chance given by the Prisons Department would not be wasted, especially now that he has an income.
“I was imprisoned in 2024 for drug abuse and I deeply regret it.
“I am determined not to repeat the mistake when I am released, and I want to continue working at the same place if possible.
“I want to earn my own salary and give duit raya to my mother every year,” said Shah.
“In the past, because of drugs, I took a lot of money from her.
“Now it is time for me to repay her,” he said during the Kluang PRP Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration 2026.
Shah, who is also known as Along among inmates at the Kluang PRP, said he was expected to be released in 16 months.
The eldest of nine siblings said the PRPI programme has brought many benefits to inmates like him, especially in helping them readjust to society before their release.
“I am touched that although I am still an ODS, my colleagues accept me without discrimination. This makes me eager to be free.
“This programme has also made me realise how wasteful the drug habit is,” he added.
Kluang PRP administrative officer Assistant Superindent of Prisons Syarifuddin Kasimin said 480 ODS were under his supervision; 200 of those nearing the end of their detention period were involved in the PRPI.
He said the participants were carefully selected based on numerous criteria, including the ability to demonstrate high discipline, and they undergo a one-month observation period before being allowed to work outside.
“Those working outside are still monitored by Prisons Department personnel.
“In Johor, there are five industry partners involved in the programme so far – one each in Yong Peng, Ayer Hitam and Sri Gading, and two in Kluang,” he added.
ASP Syarifuddin said that apart from exposure to the working environment, the programme also helped inmates build savings as preparation for a new life after release.
“In addition to external industry placements, Kluang PRP also trains ODS in agriculture, livestock farming, and culinary arts besides technical skills such as maintenance of air-conditioners and other electrical items,” he said.
Families help in rehabilitation
Aidilfitri is often a time for family, joy and cherished traditions.
But for Amin, 24, the celebration is marked by longing, especially for his late mother’s cooking.
More than 100 ODS gathered to celebrate Aidilfitri at the Kuala Krai PRP in Kelantan, where the occasion offered a rare moment of warmth and reflection.
The festive gathering stirred memories of home for Amin, particularly his mother’s roti jala and chicken curry, dishes he now misses deeply.
“My mother died due to diabetes while I was at the PRP in 2024. Before that, she always reminded me to think carefully before making any decisions and not to act impulsively,” he said.
Now nearing the end of his five-year prison sentence and after receiving two strokes of the cane for armed robbery, Amin is counting down to his release next month.
His first wish is simple yet deeply personal – to visit his mother’s grave at Pengkalan Chepa in Kota Baru, followed by his father’s grave in Tumpat.
The Aidilfitri celebration at the centre allowed residents to spend time with their families while enjoying festive dishes such as ketupat, nasi arab and traditional biscuits.
Chief superintendent Jaini Ayong Rajawa said the event aimed to give residents the opportunity to experience the spirit of Aidilfitri, despite their circumstances.
Beyond the celebration, the centre also focuses on rehabilitation efforts.
He said this year, the PRP received funding from the Prisons Department to undertake agricultural activities such as cultivating kangkung, okra, onions and chillies.
He added that proceeds from the produce sold around Kuala Krai went into a trust account.
