Malaysia’s recidivism rate now at 16%, below global benchmark

The prisons department says this demonstrates the effectiveness of its rehabilitation programmes.

Senior director of prison policy Rosidek Musa said music therapy forms part of the ‘biopsychosocial spiritual model’ adopted by the department. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 The recidivism rate, or repeat offences committed by former inmates nationwide, has been recorded at only 16% this year, lower than the international benchmark of 20%.

The senior director of prison policy at the prisons department, Rosidek Musa, said this demonstrated the effectiveness of the department’s rehabilitation programmes, including music therapy, religious approaches, vocational education, and technical and vocational education and training workshops.

“Ultimately, when former inmates secure employment after their release, that is the true measure of success,” Bernama reported him as saying in Kajang today.

Rosidek said music therapy forms part of the “biopsychosocial spiritual model” adopted by the prisons department.

“Music therapy is not new, but is now being implemented more systematically and on a larger scale with performances and competitions.

“Similarly, art therapy through painting has been practised for some time.

“This is proof that the department’s rehabilitation programmes not only emphasise discipline, but also address the emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions,” he said.

He said the department recorded RM129,000 in sales of inmate-made products at the Rahmah sale held over four days at the prison complex in conjunction with National Day last week. - FMT