''We cannot defy their orders': Warden alleges senior officers facilitate smuggling'

KUALA LUMPUR: "Rizal", a Kajang Prison warden in his 30s who has served in the prison service for less than 10 years, said he had seen how inmates tested the limits of prison security.

He said maintaining security was a constant battle against inmates looking for ways to circumvent strict controls.

"People outside think that once someone enters prison, everything is under control. But inside, you are dealing with people who have time to think of ways to get around the rules," said Rizal, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

He said prison officers were required to search inmates returning from court, hospital visits and other authorised movements outside their blocks.

"Every movement has procedures. They are searched before returning to the prison population. If there is intelligence about something being brought in, the checks become more thorough," he said.

Rizal said officers also had to watch for inmates using work assignments or movements within the prison to pass prohibited items between blocks.

However, Rizal acknowledged that some prison staff were involved in facilitating smuggling or supplying illicit items.

"These are usually the more senior officers. We cannot defy their orders and, in certain cases, we too become accomplices to the crime," he told the New Straits Times.

He said officers relied on intelligence from inmates and other sources to identify attempts to bring in prohibited items.

"If we get information, we can conduct searches. Sometimes we find something, sometimes we don't. It's a constant work in progress," he said.

Rizal said smuggling practices and the prices of illicit items differed between prisons.

"Even the price of illicit items differs from prison to prison and depends on those willing to take such risks," he said.

On allegations that some officers accepted bribes to facilitate the entry of contraband, Rizal said such claims should not tarnish the entire force.

"Many, especially the younger officers, stay clear of such activities," he said.