TAPAH: A total of 795 prison inmates nationwide have been allowed early release under the Madani Yakin Licensed Prisoner Release initiative.
Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons (Rehabilitation) Hafidz Othman said the conditional release was conducted in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha, Kaamatan Festival and Hari Gawai.
"They are not released arbitrarily.
"It is done systematically, including being provided with vocational training while prison officers help to find them jobs," he said in a press conference after attending the initiative at the Tapah Prison here on Thursday (May 21).
"They are no longer financial liabilities but assets that can contribute to the country and economy," he added.
Under the Prison Department initiative, eligible inmates will get early release under strict conditions and continuous monitoring.
Those eligible must be serving a prison sentence of three years or below, demonstrate excellent character and active engagement in rehabilitation programmes.
He said more than 50,000 inmates have been released under the initiative since 2020.
"Less than 3% of those released went back to prison, which is a good achievement.
"The initiative is a good opportunity for them to contribute to society again," he said, adding that the majority are still at a productive age between their 30s and 50s.
Earlier in his speech, Hafidz said serving time in prison does not mean one's life is finished.
"It is not a full stop to one's life, but a learning process.
"Yesterday's mistake is in the past, and one needs to look forward to doing better in the future," he said, adding that those who have been released should have the determination not to return to prison.
"Prove to the community that you have matured and are capable of taking responsibilities to serve the community.
"Use all the skills learned in prison to look after your family," he added.
