KUCHING: The Malaysian Prisons Department has announced special family visits and meetings for prison inmates in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak 2026 celebration in Sarawak and the Kaamatan Festival in Sabah.
In a media statement issued today (May 22), the department said the special arrangements would involve all prison institutions, including Moral Rehabilitation Centres, Special Rehabilitation Centres, Special Detention Facilities, and Henry Gurney Schools.
For Sarawak, face-to-face visits in conjunction with Gawai Dayak will be held at all prison institutions on June 5 and 6, while online meetings will be conducted from June 7 to 9 for families unable to attend in person.
The department said the initiative aims to give inmates the opportunity to meet their loved ones during the festive season.
In Sabah, special visits for the Kaamatan Festival will be held on June 4 and 5.
Visitors are required to bring their identity card and visitor pass to facilitate the process, while visiting hours are set from 8.15 am to 4.15 pm.
The department also reminded visitors that food and drinks are not permitted to be brought into prison facilities, as refreshments can be purchased at prison canteens.
It further advised against giving money directly to inmates, noting that basic necessities are provided by the department. However, visitors wishing to provide funds for matters such as examination fees must obtain an official receipt as proof of payment.
Visitors will also be subject to prison laws and regulations, including physical inspections upon entering and leaving prison premises.
The department encouraged family members seeking further information on online meetings to contact the relevant prison institutions.
