BATU GAJAH - The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, has granted pardons to 58 prisoners in Perak, including elderly and medically vulnerable inmates, allowing them to be released before completing their sentences.
Deputy Commissioner-General of Prisons (Security and Correctional) Rosoman Abu Bakar @ Che Din said the pardons, granted on the recommendation of the Perak Pardons Board in conjunction with the Sultan's birthday celebration, would enable the prisoners to return to their families and continue rehabilitation outside prison.
Of the 58 prisoners, 37 were released from the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre at a ceremony officiated by Rosoman today, while the others were at Tapah Prison, Kamunting Correctional Centre, Taiping Prison, Sungai Buloh Prison and a prison in Negeri Sembilan.
"Three of those granted pardons are women, while the rest are men. The youngest is 28 and the oldest is 64.
"Their offences vary, including drug-related and other crimes,” he told reporters after the ceremony.
Rosoman said those granted pardons included vulnerable prisoners aged 60 and above, as well as inmates with health conditions that made continued imprisonment unsuitable.
"They are better suited to rehabilitation programmes outside prison and returning to their families," he noted.
He said the Prisons Department and the Perak State Secretary's Office had submitted a list of prisoners for consideration for pardons, with the process also involving the Attorney-General and Perak State Legal Adviser.
The list was subsequently referred to the Perak Pardons Board for consideration before being presented to Sultan Nazrin.
Rosoman said the early release offered the prisoners an opportunity to rebuild their lives, improve themselves and reintegrate into society.
Meanwhile, Sultan Nazrin also contributed RM143,360 worth of food to 8,960 inmates and rehabilitation programme participants across seven correctional institutions in Perak in conjunction with his birthday celebration this year.
Rosoman said the contribution reflected the Sultan's concern for the welfare and rehabilitation of those in correctional institutions.
"This contribution serves as a catalyst for rehabilitation and personal development towards a better life,” he said.
The contribution was presented by Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja Tan Sri Dr Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin.
Tapah Prison accounted for the largest number of recipients at 4,431, followed by Taiping Prison (1,567), Kamunting Correctional Centre (1,178), Batu Gajah Correctional Centre (765), Kuala Kangsar Satellite Prison (500), Chenderiang Correctional Centre (451) and the Perak Halfway House (68). - BERNAMA