Prisoners pick up reflexology

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KUANTAN: Penor Prison here has introduced reflexology under its rehabilitation programme for convicts as part of efforts to prepare them for the outside world when they have completed their sentences. 

According to the prison deputydirector Zainal Abidin Yusof, theconvicts were taught skills on howto give a foot massage during a twoweekcourse beginning May 3 underthe supervision of a trainer from alocal company that provided the service. 

He added that 14 convicts andthree prison staff members weretaught the finer points of reflexologyand in return, they would teachthose who were interested. 

“The prisons department hasdecided to introduce the coursebecause unlike carpentry, one doesnot need a lot of money to invest inreflexology. 

“However, the money in reflexologybusiness can be good,” he saidafter presenting certificates to participantsat Penor Prison here onWednesday. 

When asked whether the prisonwould open the service to the publichere, Zainal Abidin said the matterhad already been raised with theprison director who was supportiveof the idea. 

Some details would have to beironed out first such as the fees andprocedures because it would involveconvicts dealing directly with thepublic, he added. 

“However, we expect to get agreen light for this reflexology outletto be located at the public galleryoutside of the prison grounds.“It may start next month,” saidZainal Abidin. 

He also said one of the participants,a convict, had put his newfoundskill to good use when hehelped another convict who had sufferedsome back injuries to recover. 

Agensi Pekerjaan Aupair (M) SdnBhd (Aupair) was offering the training. 

The company’s director Sam Lau,who was also present, said Aupairhad conducted similar courses atprisons in Kajang, Seremban,Pengkalan Chepa and Marang. 

“Seremban Prison is offering itsservice to the public. 

“A convict can earn betweenRM1,000 and RM2,000 a month.”The fees charged by the SerembanPrison was RM20 for an hour of massage,he added.