The Prisons Department has firmly denied allegations of “VIP treatment” for high-profile inmates, emphasizing that all prisoners in Malaysia are treated equally under the law.
Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak, the department’s director-general, clarified that there are no air-conditioned cells, luxury meals, or “hotel-like” conditions in any Malaysian prison.
While some high-profile prisoners may be housed in separate cells, this practice is strictly for security purposes, not to grant special privileges. “These individuals often attract media attention or face potential risks inside the prison. Separation is a safety measure, not special treatment,” Abdul Aziz explained during the ‘Apa-Apa Saja’ podcast by a local news media.
Abdul Aziz stressed that the department’s guiding principle is a “duty of care,” ensuring the safety and welfare of inmates from their arrival until their release. To help reduce overcrowding, over 6,500 low-risk inmates are currently serving their sentences outside prison under the Community Rehabilitation Programme.
The department has also started referring to inmates as “prospects” to reduce stigma and encourage their successful reintegration into society. “We believe prospects can change, and society should accept them. Rehabilitation is as important as punishment,” Abdul Aziz said.
He also highlighted the Corporate Smart Internship Programme, which enables eligible inmates to work in private companies while earning a minimum wage of RM1,700.
Acknowledging that many prison facilities are outdated, with some structures over a century old, Abdul Aziz expressed hope for increased funding to upgrade the ageing infrastructure.