KUALA LUMPUR: The government will extend the Second Chance Programme (Peka) implemented by the Prisons Department with an allocation of RM10mil in Budget 2025, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the National Anti-Drugs Agency would also be involved in the programme, in line with the decision to decriminalise drug addicts.
He also said that the Immigration Department would continue the Baitul Mahabbah Programme in collaboration with non-governmental organisations and relevant international organisations.
"This is to ensure that foreign children are housed in appropriate temporary shelters rather than in Immigration Detention Depots,” he said when tabling the Madani Budget 2025 in Parliament on Friday (Oct 17).
Anwar also announced that the government would introduce new legislation to allow home detention as an alternative punishment for certain offences.
"Offenders will be required to stay in designated places of detention, such as residential homes, care homes or worker dormitories, throughout the detention period under specified conditions and monitored by Prison officers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar said the Second Chance Policy, which has already assisted over 170,000 individuals declared bankrupt in rebuilding their lives, would be expanded to include bankrupt companies.
He also announced that the allocation for the Orang Asli community in the national budget has been increased to nearly RM380mil, compared to RM330mil previously.
The allocation will help improve their living standards through the redevelopment of Orang Asli plantations nationwide. - Bernama
