NCJ Number
99337
Journal
UNAFEI Resource Material Series Issue: 26 Dated: (December 1984) Pages: 134-142
Date Published
1984
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the nature and operation of the two types of institutions to which youthful offenders in Malaysia can be sentenced.
Abstract
The Juvenile Courts Act of 1947 provides for six possible ways of dealing with offenders between ages 10 and 18 who commit less serious offenses. Sanctions range from admonishment and discharge to a fine or attendance at one of the Henry Gurney Schools, administered by the Prisons Department. For more serious offenses, offenders may be sent to prisons or committed to the Henry Gurney Schools. In 1982, 13.5 percent of convicted offenders admitted to prisons were below age 21. Efforts are made to separate youthful offenders from older prisoners. Programming includes vocational training, paid employment, health and medical services, recreation, and access to legal advisers and grievance procedures. The five Henry Gurney Schools, serving youths of ages 14 through 17, train them for return to the community. The youths have minimum supervision and participate in vocational training, agricultural work, religious instruction, academic and physical education, recreation, sports, and counseling. Inmates progress through a series of ratings based on their conduct and work. A period of home leave precedes release. Data tables and an appendix describing the structure and programming of the adult prison system in Malaysia are included.