Batu Gajah Correctional Centre becomes the first prison in Malaysia to earn a Malaysia Book of Records entry for conducting a certified BLS and AED course for prospects
BATU GAJAH: The Batu Gajah Correctional Centre has made history as the first prison institution in Malaysia to conduct a certified Basic Life Support (BLS) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) course for prospects, earning a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR).
Perak State Prison Director Deputy Commissioner of Prisons Fayrouz Ahmad Zawawi said the programme, which saw the participation of 42 propsects comprising 30 women and 12 men, was in line with the Prisons Department’s aspiration to strengthen rehabilitation efforts through a holistic approach.
He said the course not only provided exposure to life-saving skills, but also helped instil human values, social responsibility, discipline and self-confidence among the prospects.
“Basic skills such as respiratory assistance, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of AED are highly valuable, as swift action within the first few minutes of an emergency can mean the difference between life and death.
“The prospects’ participation in the programme demonstrates that every individual has the potential to change, improve themselves and make a positive contribution to society,” he told a press conference after officiating the closing of the course at the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre here.
Also present was Batu Gajah Hospital director Dr J. Jayakumaran.
Fayrouz said prison rehabilitation is not simply about producing law-abiding individuals, but also about developing skilled, knowledgeable people who can become assets to the country.
He said the official entry into the MBOR underscores the Prisons Department’s strong commitment to carrying out innovative rehabilitation programmes with a high impact on prospects.
“This achievement is not just about setting a record, but more importantly reflects the seriousness and capability of the country’s rehabilitation institutions in giving prospects a second chance to build a brighter future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Jayakumaran said the programme was the result of a strategic collaboration between the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre and Batu Gajah Hospital, with training conducted by emergency specialists and medical officers from the Ministry of Health (MOH).
“The idea for the programme came after the hospital explored initiatives that could benefit inmates, before holding discussions with Batu Gajah Correction Centre director, Assistant Commissioner of Prisons S. Tanabal, who then agreed to implement the course.
“The effort was later expanded with an application to the MBOR, as it is the first certified BLS training programme of its kind involving prospects in the country, and Batu Gajah Hospital is deeply honoured to receive the recognition,” he said.
Dr Jayakumaran said that with the approval, participants are now recognised as certified Basic Life Support (BLS) practitioners, and it is hoped the skills acquired will be put to good use in the community and help improve their employment opportunities upon reintegration.
A female prospect known as Lyn, 44, said the course provided her with valuable exposure to life-saving skills she had never learnt before.
“At first, I found it difficult to understand CPR techniques and the use of an AED, but after going through both theoretical and practical training with the instructors, I am now more confident to respond in an emergency situation.
“This knowledge is very useful, and I hope to be able to apply it when I return to my family and community, as my husband and father both have heart conditions,” said the Perlis native.
Another prospect, Uda, 33, from Kedah, said the training he received during the programme inspired him to continue improving himself and contribute more meaningfully to the community.
“Programmes like this give us the chance to learn new things. It shows that we are also given the space to gain knowledge and build a better future,” he said.
