KOTA BARU: A Thai prison, housing 2,800 inmates — including 31 Malaysians — has urgently appealed for donations of clothes to ensure its Muslim detainees can celebrate the upcoming Hari Raya festive season with dignity.
Narathiwat Provincial Prison is calling on the generosity of donors, particularly from Malaysia, to bring some joy to those behind bars.
The prison is located in Narathiwat Province, the southernmost part of Thailand, near the border with Malaysia. The prison's Muslim population is particularly high, given the region's cultural and religious makeup.
The prison houses a number of Malaysian prisoners due to the proximity of the border. Many of them are incarcerated for drug-related offences.
Narathiwat Provincial Prison Director, Superintendent Surin Chantep, said: "For the coming Hari Raya, I want all the Muslim prisoners, including the 31 Malaysians, to dress appropriately."
The inmates will be allowed to perform prayers together, he added.
"To ensure the success of this initiative, we need the public's support through donations of robes or long-sleeved shirts for the festival," he said.
"We began receiving robes for male prisoners last week, but it is still insufficient to meet the needs of the Muslim inmates," he added.
Surin said the initiative was part of his effort to foster closer ties among the prisoners.
Those wishing to donate can send the items directly to the prison, he said.
Approximately 90 per cent of the prisoners are Muslim, including detainees from Malaysia and Myanmar.