SANDAKAN: 11 prospects from Sandakan Prison were released under the Licensed Prisoner Release (OBB) programme through the Ihsan Madani Licensed Prisoner Release Programme (PBSL) with the themed Kepulangan Yang Dinanti (The Long-Awaited Return) in conjunction with Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025.
The Licensed Prisoner Release Programme certificates were presented by the Chairman of the Sandakan District Prison Visiting Justice Board, Datuk Chew Kok Woh, during a ceremony on Thursday.
In his speech, Chew expressed hope that the community would accept and provide a second chance to these prospects, enabling them to work regardless of their past.
“Although they have made mistakes in the past, these individuals have shown remorse and good behavior throughout their sentences.
“They also have families to support, and securing employment is crucial as they reintegrate into society,” he said.
He further emphasized the need to eliminate stigma against these individuals so they can rebuild their lives normally.
Additionally, Chew urged the prospects participating in the PBSL programme to value the second chance given to them and refrain from repeating past mistakes.
For the record, the Licensed Prisoner Release Programme is part of the Malaysian Prison Department’s commitment to empowering community rehabilitation.
It is also an initiative aimed at reintegrating prospects back into society.
Also present at the ceremony were the Director of Sandakan Prison, Muhammad Khalid Muhammad, selected prospects, and their family members.
