Malaysia’s recidivism rate, or the percentage of former inmates who return to crime after release, has reached an average of 16 percent this year, according to the Prison Department.
Senior Director of Prison Policy, Mohamad Rosidek Musa, said the figure remains below the 20 percent international benchmark, reflecting positive outcomes from rehabilitation efforts.
“If we look at repeat offenders, the rate stands at 16 percent on average this year, which is relatively low compared to the international threshold of 20 percent,” he said at the launch of the 68th National Day Celebration Program for Prison Prospects at Kajang Prison.
The event featured performances by inmates, including marching drills, patriotic songs, a reenactment of the Bukit Kepong Incident, and poetry recitations.
Mohamad Rosidek highlighted that the Prison Department has expanded rehabilitation initiatives, covering music therapy, religious programs, education, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
He explained that music therapy, part of the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model, plays a significant role in rehabilitation. “It’s not just entertainment—it has proven psychological, physical, cognitive, and social benefits,” he said.
Other programs also focus on biological, psychological, emotional, and social-spiritual recovery, aimed at shaping disciplined, resilient, and community-ready individuals.
Meanwhile, he revealed that products made by inmates recorded RM129,000 in sales during the recent Rahmah Sales held at Kajang Prison in conjunction with National Day celebrations.
For context, the global recidivism threshold is 20 percent, meaning Malaysia’s current rate of 16 percent shows encouraging progress.
