During the 72nd Anniversary Celebration of the Prisons Department on Saturday, May 23, Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Setia Ahmaddin Abdul Rahman detailed significant advancements in prisoner welfare, staff development, and rehabilitation initiatives.
The Minister highlighted the successful transfer of six Malaysian nationals serving sentences last August. This action followed the signing of the International Transfer of Prisoners Treaty in Kuala Lumpur on August 3, 2023.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Staff Welfare
The successful transfer of inmates serves to strengthen bilateral relations between Brunei and Malaysia. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the reintegration process and safeguarding inmate welfare.
Regarding departmental personnel, the Minister revealed that a new Service Scheme was approved by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on September 17, 2025. This scheme introduces a revised salary scale structure designed to provide a progressive career pathway.
The new structure aims to align remuneration with the specific responsibilities, risks, and workloads faced by personnel. Simultaneously, the Minister urged all uniformed members to maintain high standards of professionalism and integrity to protect the department’s reputation.
Holistic Rehabilitation and Vocational Training
The Prisons Department is currently implementing rehabilitation programmes based on the concept of “Desistance.” This approach focuses on helping individuals cease criminal behavior and reintegrate into society through a “Whole of Nation” approach.
Academic progress remains a priority, with 32 local inmates recently sitting for the GCE ‘O’ Level examination. Vocational training has also seen expansion through various collaborations, including a weaving programme that currently includes four participants.
Private sector support has contributed to specialized upskilling. To date, four local inmates have completed a Rigger Skills Course, six have finished a Scaffolding course, and one former inmate has completed a Heavy Goods Transport programme.
Looking Ahead: Food Security and Community Integration
The department is moving to strengthen an agriculture and padi cultivation project. This initiative is being conducted alongside the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam.
As these agricultural projects are strengthened, they may play a role in supporting the development of the national food sector. The ongoing community programmes involving various universities and the public may continue to serve as a catalyst for inclusive rehabilitation across all four districts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Malaysian nationals were transferred under the recent treaty?
Six Malaysian nationals serving sentences were successfully transferred in August of last year.
What is the goal of the new Prisons Department Service Scheme?
The new scheme aims to strengthen human resource development by providing a structured career pathway and a competitive salary scale aligned with staff responsibilities.
How is the department supporting inmate education?
The department collaborates with the Ministry of Education to provide academic programmes, which recently allowed 32 local inmates to sit for the GCE ‘O’ Level examination.
How can community-based rehabilitation programs best support long-term reintegration?