KOTA BARU: The Prisons Department denies claims by singer-composer Yasin Sulaiman that life behind bars depends on money and influence.
Its senior director of prison policy, Mohamad Rosidek Musa, said the claim was untrue as the department has standard operating procedures (SOP) to handle misconduct or negative incidents among inmates.
"The claim is untrue. In the prison system, we focus on rehabilitation programmes and address negative occurrences.
"We admit certain incidents may happen, but not to the extent alleged. Many released from prison succeed in building new lives, so why focus on the negative aspects?" he told reporters after the closing ceremony of the Malaysian Prisons Department Bookathon Programme 2026 at Pengkalan Chepa Prison here on Monday (Sept 21).
Earlier, Yasin claimed in a podcast that there a hierarchy among prison inmates, including groups referred to as "bos" and "taiko", He also alleged drugs could be smuggled into prison if an individual possessed money and influence.
Mohamad Rosidek said any misconduct is dealt with according to established rules and procedures and that SOPs are continually improved.
"We will address every infraction and take action according to set rules and procedures. Each year, we tighten our SOPs and review them step by step," he said.
He said conditions at Pengkalan Chepa Prison remain under control, although overcrowding is still an issue the department is addressing.
"We have satellite prisons and inmate reintegration programmes allowing prisoners to work outside. We are working to overcome overcrowding to ensure proper inmate management," he said.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Rosidek said the Prisons Department Bookathon Programme 2026 received a donation of 10,000 books for inmates nationwide, excluding Sabah and Sarawak.
He said the programme, launched in February, was organised in collaboration with Boustead Holdings Berhad, Royale Chulan and Syarikat Muda Osman Sdn Bhd to encourage the public to donate new or used books for inmates. – Bernama
