DPM: Juvenile prisoners doing well in studies
TAPAH: The improvement in academic performance among young and juvenile offenders in prison has proven that prison is not about punishment but a place where they get a second chance at improving themselves, especially in education, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said this was evident through the results of the 2017 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination which saw 144 or 92.3% of young and juveniles candidates qualifying for the certificate.
“Sixty-two of them obtained at least 1A. There were five best students among them, with one scoring 9As, another scoring 8As and 2Bs, one scoring 7As and 1B, and two others getting 6As.
“The number of offenders pursuing tertiary education in prison now stands at 41, with two at PhD level, three at Master's level, 12 at degree level and 23 others at diploma level,” Bernama quoted Dr Ahmad Zahid as saying at the 228th Prison Day and 35th National AntiDrug Day celebrations at the Arena Merdeka, here yesterday.
Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Home Minister, said Malaysia was also the only country that provided tahfiz education in prison.
At present, he said four tahfiz centres for inmates had been set up, namely at the Kluang Prison in Johor Baru, Tapah Prison in Perak, Marang Prison in Terengganu and Pokok Sena Prison in Kedah.
“These tahfiz centres were set up to enable and encourage the inmates to learn and memorise the Quran, so that when they are released from prison, they will not commit any crime again.
“In Johor, inmates who can memorise the 30 Juz’ (sections) of the Quran, will receive a special allowance of RM1,000,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the performance of the National Anti-Drug Agency, Dr Ahmad Zahid said the agency had done well in ensuring offenders secured jobs once they were released from prison.
“Last year’s statistics showed that 43,453 or 72.28% of the 60,116 OKPs (Persons Under Surveillance) have jobs,” he said.
He also said the public should show concern and become the eyes and ears of the agencies to combat drug-related crime in the country.
“It needs a village to raise a child; this can also be adopted in combating drug-related crime. We have to show concern for our society.”