MIRI: The MyPRIDE Fair Sarawak Zone 2026 is providing a platform to showcase products and skills developed by prison inmates while raising public awareness on the importance of giving former inmates a second chance to rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship.
The fair, held at PermyMall today (June 25) was officiated by Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat.
Speaking at the event, Ripin said the programme not only introduced products and services produced by prison inmates to the public but also helps strengthen public confidence in their ability to reform and contribute positively to society.
He said various skills development initiatives, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), industrial training and entrepreneurship programmes, have equipped inmates with practical skills that can be utilised once they are reintegrated into the community.
“As the ministry responsible for entrepreneur development, we believe economic opportunities and entrepreneurship can serve as important pathways for former inmates to build stable, independent and competitive lives after completing their sentences,” he said as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Ripin pointed out that successful rehabilitation does not depend solely on correctional institutions but also requires strong support from the community, private sector, educational institutions and government agencies.
He therefore called on more companies and organisations to provide employment opportunities, training and mentorship for former inmates to help them reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
He also expressed hope that programmes such as the MyPRIDE Fair would continue to be strengthened and expanded to create greater opportunities for marketing, business networking and entrepreneurship development for both current and former prison inmates.
Among the products showcased at the fair were songket textiles, batik, furniture, ferrocement products, metal fabrication works, pastries and frozen food.
