Pahang prisoners released on licence get jobs to rebuild lives

KUANTAN: A total of 403 prisoners released on licence from Penor and Bentong prisons are now employed by 73 employers across four districts in Pahang.

Kuantan recorded the highest number, with 160 released prisoners working for 22 employers.

This was followed by Temerloh, with 99 working for 23 employers, Jerantut with 80 employed by 13 employers, and Pekan with 64 working for 15 employers.

Pahang Prisons director Deputy Prison Commissioner Suhaizak Ab Wahab said those given the opportunity to work should make the most of it to rebuild their lives.

He advised them to maintain discipline and comply with the conditions of their release, including reporting to their respective district parole offices as required.

"Legal action may be taken against those who fail to follow the rules," he said.

Suhaizak said those released early should make full use of the community rehabilitation programme before reintegrating into society.

He said some former drug addicts had returned to drug use after their release, with some becoming involved in other offences, including theft.

He was speaking at the Madani Yakin Kepulangan Dinanti release ceremony held in conjunction with the Pahang Prisons Department's Deepavali celebration at Dewan Melati, Penor Prison, yesterday.

Also present were Bentong Prison director Deputy Prison Commissioner Ahmad Rizal Ghazali and Penor Prison deputy director Muhammad Hasnor Abd Hamid.

At the event, 15 prisoners from Bentong and Penor prisons were released.

Suhaizak said the Prisons Department also had a home detention programme for eligible prisoners, including senior citizens aged 70 and above, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses and people with disabilities.

He said the licensed release programme was intended to reduce prison overcrowding while allowing prisoners to serve their sentences outside prison and participate in community rehabilitation programes.