KUALA LANGAT - Government initiatives like TVET@Penjara are crucial in providing prisoners with the education and training they need for a better future.
Vocational programmes aim to equip prisoners with valuable skills and knowledge, paving the way for their successful reintegration into society upon release.
These efforts are vital for rehabilitation and skill development, and they deserve further encouragement and support to truly make a difference in the lives of those seeking a second chance.
At the National TVET Day 2024 event which took place today at the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) in Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysian Prisons, Prisoner Management Division, Vocational and Industry Section, who wanted to be known as Prison Sergeant Mariana mentioned that the Malaysian prison system includes six main vocational sectors.
"The Malaysian prison system includes six main vocational sectors: Food, Manufacturing, Services, Fabric, Agriculture, and Livestock.
"The goal of these vocational programmes is to equip prisoners with valuable skills and knowledge, enabling them to reintegrate into society successfully upon release.
"These initiatives should be further encouraged and supported to aid prisoner rehabilitation and skill development,” she noted.
Mariana also mentioned that while all prisons in Malaysia carry the Food Sector programme, the Kajang prisons serve as the primary facilities for this initiative.
"Other prisons follow state-specific programmes, such as the Fabric Sector in Perak, Terengganu, and Kelantan. Participation in these programmes is mandatory for prisoners.
"Upon entry, prisoners undergo health assessments and, for the first six months, attend religious classes to instil discipline and reinforce their faith.
"After completing this initial phase, prisoners are re-interviewed and assigned to one of the six vocational sectors based on their prison's offerings.
"The duration of these programmes varies depending on individual learning speeds and progress. However, prisoners with chronic or infectious illnesses are exempt from participation,” she added.
Fabrics such as ‘songket’ and ‘batik’ are also made by the prisoners.
The National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day 2024 is held at the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) in Kuala Langat, Selangor, from June 7 to June 8.
National TVET Week 2024 which runs from May 27 to June 8, encompasses a variety of activities designed to promote TVET as a viable and primary educational and career path.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will officially inaugurate the event and launch the National TVET Policy 2030 on June 8.