For many former inmates, the greatest challenge lies not within the prison walls but after their release, as they attempt to re-enter society.
Stigma often follows, with employers hesitant to hire someone with a criminal record and communities reluctant to welcome them back.
The Al-Sultan Abdullah Village of Hope, however, aims to offer those who have been incarcerated a second chance in life.
This planned initiative is envisioned as a place that assists ex-inmates with employment, using the skills they have gained in prison.
The space is named in honour of Pahang ruler Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and spearheaded by his consort, Tengku Ampuan Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who both graced the venue’s groundbreaking ceremony here yesterday.
“I hope this noble programme, a mission shared by the Tengku Ampuan and myself, will help those who have endured difficult lives but have been rehabilitated by the prisons department,” Al-Sultan Abdullah said.
“We commend the prisons department for focusing on this group and helping them to reintegrate into society and secure a second chance at life.”
He noted that the initiative could offer former inmates the assurance of a meaningful life beyond incarceration, while inspiring the people of Pekan to be self-reliant.
Tunku Azizah said the idea for this project was mooted about six years ago, inspired by the success of Tenun Pahang Diraja, which teaches traditional weaving techniques to prison inmates.
What began with just two weavers has grown into a thriving programme with over 400 participants and counting.
“There were so many inmates who picked up such wonderful skills while in prison. We thought it would be such a shame if these new skills were not put to good use when they were freed.
“That is where the idea for this Village came from,” said Tunku Azizah, who is the royal patron of the prison department’s rehabilitation and corrective programmes.
She also thanked the Pahang government for bequeathing her and her foundation 10 acres of land for the project.
The Al-Sultan Abdullah Village of Hope will include a factory featuring crafts from all over the country. It will also provide living space for families of the formerly incarcerated.
Other planned features include shops, a workshop, and a nursery.
“I would like to stress that the Village is not just for former prison inmates. Outsiders, those who may not belong anywhere, can also come here and be with us,” Tunku Azizah added.
“It’s about welcoming them back into society, it’s about social inclusion.”
