PADAWAN: The Licensed Prisoner Release (PBSL) programme provides a second chance for prison prospects nationwide, particularly in Sarawak, to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

Sarawak Prisons Director Teyun Thian Eim said among the initiatives undertaken is collaboration with employers to offer jobs to prospects under their supervision with the aim of ensuring stable employment and a fixed income for those released.

“Several companies have hired former prospects who were released as Parolees (ODP) and Licensed Free Persons (OBB), and they are given permanent jobs like ordinary individuals. They are free and able to live within society with a stable income.

“Some of them are even able to support their families back in their villages,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the PBSL Madani Yakin ‘Kepulangan Yang Dinanti’ programme in conjunction with the Christmas celebration at the Puncak Borneo Prison, here on Monday.

He added that 55 prison prospects across Sarawak were released under the PBSL Madani Yakin Programme in conjunction with Christmas.

Of the total, 12 prospects were from Puncak Borneo Prison, nine from Sri Aman Central Prison, seven from Sibu Central Prison, 13 from Bintulu Correctional Centre and 14 from Miri Central Prison.

Following the release, he reminded the prospects to continue complying with instructions and laws throughout the parole period to avoid being returned to prison.

For the record, across Sarawak, 30 OBB were handed over to their families, 20 were handed over to employers, while another five were placed at a halfway house.

Commenting further, Teyun said PBSL Sarawak recorded 3,943 releases from 2020 to November this year, with only 198 licence cancellations—equivalent to 5.02 per cent.

He therefore urged the prospects to make full use of this opportunity to change for the better and return to contribute to their families and the community. -UKASnews