PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said community-based rehabilitation programmes have proven far more effective in preventing repeat offences than institutional releases.
He cited sharply lower recidivism rates among former inmates reintegrated into society through structured supervision.
He added that data from the Prison Department showed that offenders released directly from prison institutions recorded a recidivism rate of about 12%.
“But if we rehabilitate them through parole and compulsory attendance programmes, for every 800 released, only one returns to prison,“
He was speaking to reporters after the Home Minister’s 2026 Address event yesterday.
He said the ministry’s approach focuses on preparing inmates for reintegration before they complete their sentences, including securing employment and structured supervision in the community.
“We work with nearly 900 employers in construction, manufacturing and agriculture to make sure they have work when they come out.”
He said to address social rejection faced by former offenders, the government has established 22 halfway houses nationwide, providing temporary accommodation while individuals transition back into society.
“When families or communities do not accept them, the risk of them returning to prison increases,” he said, adding that rehabilitation efforts require public support to succeed.
