Prisons equipped with dedicated facilities for mothers and children, department says
The facilities provided go beyond accommodation, encompassing health support, nutritious meals and learning spaces as well as activities for children living with their mothers in prison.
KUALA LUMPUR - Prisons in the country are equipped with various dedicated facilities to ensure the welfare of female inmates and their children is continually protected.
This is in line with rehabilitation needs and early childhood care requirements for children who still need their mothers' attention.
According to the Prison Department, the facilities provided go beyond accommodation, encompassing health support, nutritious meals and learning spaces as well as activities for children living with their mothers in prison.
It said the approach aims to create a safer and more structured environment even within a rehabilitation institution.
"In terms of facilities, most prisons provide mother-and-child amenities including dedicated living quarters, play areas and caregiving support while mothers undergo rehabilitation programmes.
"Welfare aspects are also addressed through healthcare provided by prison medical officers, as well as basic necessities such as diapers and milk, which are typically supplied by family members and non-governmental organisations," it said.
Specific focus
It said only two prison institutions give specific focus to female inmates and mother-and-child facilities — Kajang Women's Prison and Kota Kinabalu Women's Prison.
"In addition, several other institutions also house female inmates, including Pokok Sena Prison, Seberang Perai Prison, Batu Gajah Prison, Sungai Udang Prison, SHG Telok Mas, Kluang Prison and Simpang Renggam Prison.
"Also involved are Tapah Prison, Pengkalan Chepa Prison, Bentong Prison, Sandakan Prison, Tawau Prison, Sibu Prison, Limbang Prison, Puncak Borneo Prison and Miri Prison," it said.
In terms of trends, the number of children in prison this year was recorded at 39 in January before rising to 41 in February.
"However, the figure dropped to 31 in March and continued to decline to 25 in April, reflecting a downward trend following the early-year increase," it said.
Children handed to next of kin
The Prison Department said that as a matter of policy, children are permitted to stay with their mothers in prison under certain circumstances, taking into account welfare, safety and early childhood development needs.
This applies particularly to children who still require breastfeeding and full maternal care.
"Typically, this involves female inmates who give birth while serving their sentence or who are detained together with young children still dependent on maternal care.
"However, priority is always given to ensuring children are raised in a more conducive environment for their physical and emotional development," it said.
As such, the children are generally handed over to their next of kin or family members willing to assume caregiving responsibilities once they reach around three years of age.
"Should no suitable next of kin be available, the children will be placed under the care of a Social Welfare Department children's home, under the supervision of the District Welfare officer," it said.
It added that the Prison Regulations 2000 also state that children under three years of age may be admitted with their mothers subject to approval from the director-general of prisons, and are to be given basic necessities including food and care.
"The regulations also stipulate a medical officer's assessment when a child reaches three years of age to determine the suitability of continued placement, while placement in prison is not permitted beyond four years of age except with special authorisation from the director-general," it said.
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