99% of 21,189 paroled prisoners have found jobs, says Prison DG

KOTA KINABALU: About 99% of the 21,189 prisoners who completed their rehabilitation outside prison or via the parole system from 2008 to 2015, found employment, said Prisons Malaysia director-general Datuk Seri Zulkifli Omar.
He added they found jobs either through self-employment or by working for employers in various fields.
"The number shows the level of awareness of these ex-convicts to lead a better life after being released, is high. Last year's statistics showed that only 0.34% of ex-convicts relapsed into criminal behaviour, and the number is very small," he said during the presentation of the 2015 excellent service awards and Commissioner General of Prison's Medal at the state-level here, today.
He said rehabilitation outside prison or the parole system via community-based programmes could provide an opportunity for inmates to get closer to the community, thus facilitating them to be accepted by society.
The results showed the rehabilitation programme managed to effectively control the rate of recidivism (inmates relapsing into criminal behaviour), with 8.7% recorded in 2015, below the 9% level set by the Home Ministry.
"An effective and organised rehabilitation programme within or outside the prison walls, as well as support from all parties were important factors to the success, and we are targeting a 5% recidivism rate by 2020," he said. — Bernama