NCJ Number
93726
Date Published
1983
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This review of corrections management in Malaysia considers staff development and training, release under supervision, inmate vocational training, and inmate classification.
Abstract
Correctional staff training in Malaysia includes orientation training and inservice refresher courses. Orientation training informs the new correctional officer about the conditions of employment, the background and development of modern correctional programs, and the history, present organization, philosophy, and goals of the corrections department. The new officer is also guided in applying his knowledge and skills in the correctional setting. Refresher course are conducted for senior and subordinate officers to help them increase their knowledge and skills. Training facilities include the Prison Officers' Training School (the main training school) and the temporary school in Kajang within the grounds of the new prison complex. Presently, there is no general system of parole or compulsory aftercare in Malaysia. The details are currently being worked out for the introduction of parole. Remission of sentence is available, whereby an offender sentenced to prison for 1 month and above is entitled to a remission of one-third of the sentence based on the demonstration of 'good' behavior. Institutionalized juveniles do have a form of release under supervision. Inmates are provided with wide opportunities to learn and practice vocational skills and trades. There are currently prison industries representing 20 different trades. Planning is underway to introduce new industries that will be operated jointly with private industry. Inmate classification is intended to facilitate inmate training and placement that will reduce the chance of increased criminalization while in prison. Inmates are placed in one of the following classes: (1) young-prisoner class -- convicted prisoners under the age of 21; (2) star class -- first offenders and well-behaved prisoners; (3) ordinary class -- all other convicted prisoners; and (4) unconvicted class -debtors, persons on remand and awaiting trial, and persons detained for safe custody or want of sureties. These classes are separated in so far as possible. The department of corrections has proposed the establishment of reception/classification centers, where inmates will be classified with a view toward determining the type of treatment best suited for them. Some vocational training and classification problems are noted.