THERE are times when a second chance is needed for some to make amends for their past mistakes. For those who have strayed from the path, compassion and proper guidance can yield results.
Ex-convict Malek (not his real name) is just one of many who are fortunate to be given the second chance.
He is working at a motor workshop because the owner believes that ex-convicts can turn over a new leaf, and should be given the chance to do so.
“I am thankful and grateful that I have been given an opportunity to learn something new. Being able to work an honest job gives me a sense of purpose and makes me feel useful.”
The 42-year old had spent time in prison for drug offences and, upon his release, felt de-motivated and worried that he would not be able to assimilate back into society.
“Most of us, when we are released, feel embarrassed and worried. What will the people outside (society) say? Will they look at us differently? Will they shun us?”
Workshop owner Johari Ismail and his wife, Karina Rahim (not their real names), have been offering assistance to ex-convicts since 2012.
The idea came to them when they found it difficult to retain the manpower in their business. Coupled with their desire to give back to society, they approached the Prisons Department to identify prisoners who were either released or given parole, and were interested to work at their workshop.
“It has been more than three years and, so far, it has been good. We have no regrets. We have managed to get some really good workers who have helped us tremendously in our workshop, and they have learnt well and moved on to better jobs. Some have even opened their own workshops.
“Most of them just want to build a new life for themselves and we are facilitating that. The most important thing is that they are committed to it,” says Johari, who monitors and appraises the ex-convicts during the time they work for him.
“We monitor their attendance, discipline, work ethics and even make sure they go for prayers. All this is noted in each person’s file and based on their performance, they stand to receive allowances and commissions as a way to motivate them to work harder,” says Karina.
“We treat them like our family. All of the workers have their meals together with us, and we even meet up with their families. They know that we have their best interest at heart. The ones who join us are mentored by our existing employees to help them learn and slowly assimilate themselves into society,” says Johari.
This is just one of the many initiatives by the Prisons Department in assisting the rehabilitation of ex-convicts. Officers keep in touch with those who have been released to help them find a place to live or a job.
There are halfway houses in each state that cater to those who do not have families, and they get a place to live for three months as they try to get back on their feet again. With proper support and guidance, it is believed that the ex-convicts will be committed to change and, therefore, less likely to revert back to their former ways.
Prisons Department deputy director-general (security and correctional) Datuk Hassan Sakimon says the department’s community service, parole and after-release development programmes have been found to reduce crime by preventing recidivism.
Recidivism is defined as a relapse of criminal behaviour after the person receives punishment or rehabilitation for a previous crime.
A reduced recidivism rate means inmates have successfully integrated into society upon their release, rehabilitated and unlikely to relapse on crime.
This helps keep the crime index low and ultimately means a safer society for all.
“Up to January, the parole programme, which was first implemented in 2008, has a relapse rate of 52 people, or 0.57 per cent, while 99.43 per cent of those under this programme have obtained employment.”
Another important component is the department’s in-house rehabilitation programmes that focus on motivation and discipline to improve the inmates’ skills and knowledge, and subsequently, assist in their integration into society.
“There are skills training programmes offered with various organisations. Forty-seven areas are available, including construction, agriculture, landscaping and others, which give inmates valuable skills for them to survive when they are released.”
The Industrial Prisons Programme is one of the initiatives to assist inmates in learning new skills, and at the same time, allows the department to be self-sufficient and reduce operating cost.
Five prisons — Kajang, Tapah, Kluang, Pokok Sena and the Bukit Besi Correctional Centre in Terengganu — have been identified as locations to develop this programme.
Under the programme, selected prisons will produce food, such as bread, vegetables and sauces, to be supplied for consumption at other prisons.
“For example, the bread self-sufficiency programme at Kajang Prison, which supplies to five prisons in the central region, has seen a reduction in the department’s cost of more than RM500,000,”says Hassan.
“It is very important to train and rehabilitate the inmates via the programmes that we have.
“Re-skilling the inmates enable them to find employment. There are many inmates who are young, and they have obtained their diplomas and degrees in prison. There are even some who are studying for postgraduate degrees,” says Hassan.