KUCHING: A total of 80 prison prospects in Sarawak were released under the Madani Compassionate Prisoner Release Programme (Kepulangan Yang Dinanti) in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Of the total, 25 are from Puncak Borneo Prison, 15 from Sri Aman Central Prison, 18 from Sibu Central Prison, two from Bintulu Correctional Centre, 14 from Miri Central Prison, and six from Limbang Prison.
Sarawak Prisons director Deputy Commissioner Teyun Thian Eim said the prospects eligible for release under this programme are those who are serving sentences of three years or less, have completed one-third of their sentence, and have not been subject to mandatory sentences.
“Before these prospects are released, we have already conducted rehabilitation programmes in prison, and I believe that those being released today have passed the necessary screenings,” he said during the prisoner release ceremony held at Puncak Borneo Prison, today (Mar 24).
Regarding this release, he stressed that the prospects are still subject to Section 43 of the Prison Act 1995, where those found violating the conditions will be penalised with a fine not exceeding RM2,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years, or both.
For Puncak Borneo Prison, 10 Licensed Prisoners (OBB) were handed over to employers, 10 OBBs to their families, and five OBBs will be placed in halfway houses.
Overall, 27 OBBs were handed over to employers, 41 OBBs to their families, and 12 OBBs were placed in halfway houses.
The PBSL programme allows selected prospects to serve their sentences within the community and adjust to work, helping them find employment, earn sufficient wages, and secure housing.
During this period, District Parole Officers (PPD) will supervise the OBBs within their areas of administration and will maintain contact and obtain feedback on the OBBs’ progress from their guarantors.
