TUARAN: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the rehabilitation programme, which includes parole and community services, has proven to be highly effective. Out of the 800 prisoners who participated in the programme, only one has returned to prison, representing a mere 0.125 percentage. In contrast, 18.6 per cent of those who did not take part in the programme ended up back in prison.
Datuk Seri Saifuddin emphasized the importance of transitional homes in facilitating the rehabilitation process. These homes provide temporary residence and a venue for activities and classes for parolees and former convicts. There are currently 14 transitional homes located nationwide, where former inmates are offered support to reintegrate into society and prevent them from falling back into criminal activities.
On Monday (Oct 16), Saifuddin inaugurated the Tuaran Transitional Home, which is situated at the Yayasan Kebajikan Suria complex in Kampung Panjut, Berunggis. The ceremony was attended by Prisons Department Commissioner-General Datuk Nordin Muhamad and Yayasan Kebajikan Suria chairman Datuk Raya Erom. The Tuaran transitional home is the third of its kind in Sabah, capable of accommodating 100 male occupants. The other two homes, with a capacity of 20 individuals each, are located in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan for female and male occupants, respectively.
The success of the parole and community services programme in reducing recidivism rates is evident, with only one out of 800 participants returning to prison. This represents a very low percentage compared to those who did not follow the programme. Transitional homes play a vital role in ensuring the successful reintegration of former inmates. The establishment of the Tuaran Transitional Home in Sabah further reinforces the commitment to providing temporary housing and support for individuals transitioning back into society. The Home Minister expressed his determination not to abandon former prisoners and to prevent them from returning to a life of crime through the provision of transitional homes and other rehabilitation efforts.
Overall, the parole and community services programme has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing recidivism rates among former prisoners. The provision of transitional homes enables parolees and ex-convicts to have a temporary place to live and engage in activities and classes that contribute to their successful reintegration into society. With 14 transitional homes nationwide, including the newly opened Tuaran Transitional Home in Sabah, the government is committed to assisting and supporting former inmates in their journey towards a crime-free life.
The Tuaran Transitional Home, the third of its kind in Sabah, has a capacity of 100 male occupants. Alongside the homes in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, which can accommodate 20 individuals each, these facilities provide a safe environment for parolees and former convicts as they rebuild their lives and reintegrate into the community. The government’s efforts to establish transitional homes demonstrate its dedication to ensure that former prisoners have the necessary support and opportunities to break the cycle of crime.
In conclusion, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail highlighted the success of the rehabilitation programme, particularly in reducing recidivism rates. The provision of transitional homes plays a significant role in assisting former inmates to reintegrate into society successfully. The opening of the Tuaran Transitional Home is a testament to the government’s commitment to provide temporary housing and support for parolees and ex-convicts, enabling them to lead a law-abiding life after their release.
Bernama
