Prison Policy Reform

Problem Statement:

Almost 64% of inmates are in for drug offences. Treating drug users as patients who need rehabilitation, rather than criminals who should be jailed, would reduce the overcrowding in prisons and improve living conditions.

Value(s) and Belief(s):

Malaysian CARE is inspired by Isaiah 61:1: “He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…” Since 1981, CARE has been working with prisoners and ex-prisoners.

Proposal of Solution:

a)Alternatives to imprisonment including suspended sentences, home detention for remand with electronic monitoring devices, probation, release under licence, compulsory attendance, community service, restorative justice, etc.

b) Pre- and post-release programmes for each prison; more government halfway homes & subsidized private & faith-based halfway homes

c) Adequate mental health programme for staff & inmates, including screening, counselling & peer support groups

d) Equal access for prisoners living with HIV to classes/programmes/jobs/parole & no gaps in medication/treatment

e) Access to civil service jobs & removal of ban on PTPTN loans for ex-prisoners

f) All prisoners to have MyKads upon release

g) Upgrading of prison facilities (14 are over 50 years old)