LAHAD DATU PRISON TO SOLVE OVERCROWDING

THE Prison Department here is planning to set up a new prison in Lahad Datu to tackle overcrowding in the Tawau prison, said Central Prison Director, Abdul Halim Mahasan.

He said that the Prison Department has applied to the government for a piece of land in Lahad Datu where the new prison is proposed to be built, but did not reveal any further information.

“Although we are trying to reduce the number of prisons and also reduce the number of inmates, we cannot run away from the fact that we are facing prison overcrowding.

“By setting up a new prison in Lahad Datu, we hope to relieve the overcrowding situation in the Tawau Prison which is now holding over 1,400 inmates,” he said during a visit by the Customs Department to the State Prison in conjunction with the World Customs Day Celebration.

He also said that the Central Prison currently holds about 1,580 inmates, Sandakan Prison holding about 790 inmates, Women’s Prison holding about 110 inmates, Women’s Henry Gurney School (19 inmates) and Henry Gurney School Keningau (202 inmates).

Abdul Halim also said that the prison’s parole system is showing an increase in effectiveness as a correctional institute, but is not able to eradicate stigma among the public.

“In prison, inmates get a second chance to lead a better life as they do not just sit in their cells, counting the days until they are released.

“The inmates are given work, training courses, counselling sessions (religious & psychological) for them to realise their wrongs and have a fresh start upon their release.”

The visit by the Customs Department lead by Deputy Customs director Hamzah Sundang to the State Prison is part of their month-long Customs Day Celebration (January 26 to February 26).

According to Hamzah, the visit which included some 30 Customs officers including several high ranking State officials was held to strengthen friendship bonds between the two departments.

“We are also holding this visit so that our Customs officers are aware and familiarised with the Prisons Department, what they do and how things are conducted here,” he said.

Hamzah said this in his speech after a briefing session by the Prisons Department as part of the visit at the Central Prison in Kepayan near here yesterday. - Sabahkini