MCCHR’s Buku Beyond Bars

Kuala Lumpur, 25 March 2025 – INITIATE.MY participated in the Buku Beyond Bars roundtable discussion held at the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR) office. The discussion focused on prison rehabilitation programmes and the challenges former inmates face in reintegrating into society.

As part of MCCHR’s campaign, the event aimed to expand prison library collections and promote rehabilitation opportunities within the prison system. Participants came from diverse backgrounds, including NGO professionals, medical students, and other key stakeholders committed to improving reintegration support and advancing prison reform efforts.

The discussion highlighted several pressing issues in prison rehabilitation, particularly the limited skills and support prisoners receive upon release. Participants stressed that rehabilitation must include not only educational support, but also stronger psychosocial assistance. They recommended expanding and improving the implementation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), noting that current programmes are often inaccessible or lack depth.

A key concern raised was the shortage of essential resources, including trained personnel, educational materials, mental health services, and vocational training facilities in both adult prisons and youth correctional centres. To address these gaps, participants proposed developing tailored rehabilitation programmes and actively involving prison wardens in their delivery.

The discussion also focused on reintegration challenges, particularly the psychological effects of incarceration. Long-term inmates often experience institutionalisation, becoming so dependent on the rigid structure of prison life that they struggle to adapt upon release. This is compounded by societal stigma, which hinders their ability to rebuild family ties, reintegrate into the community, and secure employment—factors that increase the risk of recidivism. Participants cited the “Norwegian prison system as a successful model, highlighting its emphasis on rehabilitation and significantly lower reoffending rates.

Hisham Muhaimi contributed insights on the lack of effective rehabilitation programmes for former security detainees (FSD) detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA), Prevention of Crime Act (POCA), and Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). Although general rehabilitation efforts exist, there are currently no targeted programmes designed to address the specific needs of these individuals. Participants also discussed the government’s reluctance to collaborate with NGOs, often citing limited resources, which further complicates efforts to fill this gap.

The event concluded with a call for tailored rehabilitation that prioritises skills, social reintegration, and vocational training to reduce recidivism and support comprehensive reintegration.