Sabah and Labuan Labuan Prisons Department deputy director Abdul Rauf Lang Pasih (centre) hands over the document of release to an inmate under the Licensed Prisoner Release programme in Kota Kinabalu Central Prison.
KOTA KINABALU: Eighteen prisoners were given early freedom in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha.
They were released under the Licensed Prisoner Release programme, said Sabah and Labuan Prisons Department deputy director Abdul Rauf Lang Pasih.
He said that 17 prisoners released under the programme are from Kota Kinabalu Central Prison and a female inmate from Kota Kinabalu Women’s Prison in Kepayan here.
“This is the third release following two similar programmes in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Kaamatan (Harvest Festival)," he told reporters during the release programme at the Kepayan prison.
"The early prison release is for them to have the festive celebration with their family and loved ones,” he said.
Abdul Rauf said the early release programme will also help to reduce congestion in prisons and encourage better recovery of inmates in the society.
“We hope the released inmates will take the opportunity to appreciate their early release from jail and turn over a new leaf,” he said.
Abdul Rauf urged the community to provide support and a second chance in life to them.
The programme was rolled out by the Prisons Department in conjunction with the Licensed Prisoner Release Ihsan Madani programme prior to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration in April this year.
