LENGGONG: The timeframe for the Malaysian Prison Department to develop and expand the anti-drone system and local technology interceptors across all prisons in the country depends on the budget allocation.
Deputy commissioner general of prisons (security and correctional) Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak said the department is currently working to optimise existing control systems in prisons to address the threat of smuggling prohibited items, especially drone intrusions.
He said that the department is always vigilant and prepared to handle such intrusions aimed at smuggling prohibited items into prisons, including using animals like cats, as reported in other countries.
"There have been numerous attempts from outside the prison to smuggle in prohibited items. We train our prison officers to detect drones and any external threats, such as objects thrown from outside the prison premises.
"In the past, such smuggling methods were not detected. However, due to strict controls in prisons, smugglers resort to using aerial methods (drones) since smuggling by land has become difficult.
"I can't specify the timeframe as it involves budget allocation. We are working on it, and although it is not sufficient, we are trying to make it adequate and optimise its use," he said.
He told reporters after launching Madani's Home Ministry Foster Village at SK Beng, Kampung Beng here, today.
The programme involved a community service activity by 30 inmates undergoing the Licensed Prisoner Release Program aimed at beautifying the school area, including painting murals and repairing old infrastructure.
It was reported that the Prisons Department is expanding the use of anti-drone systems and interceptor equipment using local technology across all prison facilities nationwide.
Its director-general, Datuk Nordin Muhamad, said this is to prevent the recurrence of incidents involving the smuggling of prohibited items into prisons using drones.
On Aug 10, authorities intercepted a bold attempt to smuggle suspected drugs into a Tapah Prison using a drone.
In related news, Abdul Aziz said that to address prison overcrowding, the department has been directed by the Home Ministry to explore the potential for diverting inmates for drug rehabilitation under the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
Abdul Aziz was responding to questions about his previous media statement, which highlighted prison overcrowding nationwide due to an increase in new drug cases.
Currently, the number of inmates in institutions across the country has reached 85,350, compared to the comfort level of 71,000.
"The AADK manages Puspen (Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Centres) under a different act from the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 administered by the Prison Department.
"At the ministry level, we agree to direct the Prison Department to explore where we can 'divert' a number of inmates or improve the drug rehabilitation process itself.
"Since the AADK has certain expertise and the Prison Department also has specific expertise, we aim to combine them to ensure a reduction in recidivism among drug addicts," he said.
In May, the Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, was reported to have said that amendments to the Drug Addicts (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 are in the final stages and are expected to be presented at the upcoming Parliament session.
Saifuddin was reported to have said that once the amendment is implemented, it will allow for shifting drug offenders from prison sentences to treatment and rehabilitation programmes.