KAJANG: The recidivism rate among former inmates nationwide has reached an average of 16 per cent so far this year.
Malaysian Prisons Department senior director of Prison Policy, Mohamad Rosidek Musa, said this figure is below the international recidivism benchmark of 20 per cent.
“If we look at the rate of repeat imprisonment, there are two scenarios, one involving facilities that do not provide work opportunities, and in such cases, the rate of return is usually below 20 per cent,” he said during the launch of the 68th National Day Celebration Programme at Kajang Prison.
“At present, the average stands at 16 per cent, which is not considered high for this year.”
Mohamad Rosidek said the department has implemented various rehabilitation initiatives, covering music therapy, religious studies, education, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
He said one of the key rehabilitation elements is music therapy, which is incorporated under the department’s Biopsychosocial Spiritual Model framework.
“This method includes a variety of forms such as musical performances, singing, dance, and visual arts. It is not merely entertainment but has been proven to bring positive effects on the psychological, physical, cognitive, and social functions of inmates,” he said.
Other rehabilitation programmes, he added, address biological recovery, psychological transformation of beliefs and emotions, and social and spiritual reintegration.
Mohamad Rosidek also said that sales of inmate-made products reached RM129,000 during the four-day Jualan Rahmah held at the Kajang Prison Complex in conjunction with National Day last week.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
