Giving ex-inmates a second chance

KOTA KINABALU: Companies facing a labour shortage should reduce their dependence on foreign workers and give rehabilitated prison inmates a chance, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

To lead by example, the state Industrial Development Minister said he would try to find jobs for ex-inmates within agencies under his ministry.

This is based on the success of the Prisons Department’s programmes to release former inmates into the community, he said when launching the department’s outreach programme with employers, dubbed Corporate Smart Internship (CSI).

“I will instruct my officers to do follow-ups on this matter.

“I therefore urge the Sabah Prisons Department to hold a meeting with all companies under my ministry’s purview,” said Dr Gunsalam.

He also proposed that products made by prisoners be sold at small and medium enterprise (SME) centres at districts near prisons.

“We have SME centres in Kota Kinabalu, Beaufort, Papar and Ranau. In future, we will also open centres in Kota Merudu, Tuaran, Tawau and Keningau.

“If permitted, we will invite the Prisons Department to showcase products made by inmates in expos that my ministry organises,” he added.

Gunsalam earlier said that since 2008, Sabah had released 3,885 inmates into the community through its parole programme.

11 CSI companies and 20 small business have collaborated with the department to employ former inmates.