SIBU: The Licensed Prisoner Release Programme (PBSL), which includes parole and home detention, has proven effective in reducing the rate of repeat offenders.
According to Sarawak Prison director Teyun Thian Eim, only 0.27 per cent of PBSL participants have returned to prison for offences committed.
However, he said that the rate for those released after serving their full sentence and returning to prison for committing further offences stood at 17 per cent.
“Those granted PBSL do not experience culture shock as they are allowed to return home but remain under the supervision of district parole officers. They reintegrate with their families or, for those without family support, our team helps them find employment.
“As a result, they have a clearer path forward compared to those who are released outright after completing their sentences and sometimes revert to their previous behaviours,” he said when speaking to reporters at Sibu Prison during the PBSL programme here yesterday (April 26).
Teyun warned that if inmates under detention violated rules, they would be sent back to prison and charged in court for violating release regulations.
He also urged community support for the prisoners so that they could lead normal lives and not return to the mistakes they made.
“Prison is not the solution to the increasing crime rate in society. Therefore, we need to provide support to these prisoners when they leave the prison gates.
“That’s why, usually before these prisoners are released, we always guide or monitor them,” he said.
