In an effort to help former inmates in reintegrating into society and decrease the country's dependence on foreign workers, the Human Resources Ministry and the Malaysian Prisons Department have partnered to create job opportunities for prisoners and Henry Gurney school inmates set to be released soon.
The goal is to offer employment to 15,000 people this year. The government is committed to providing training and education to ex-offenders to help them succeed in the workforce.
Photo via Malay Mail
The ministry will collaborate closely with the Prisons Department to ensure that the training is tailored to the needs of the job market.
Deputy minister of human resources Datuk Sivakumar Varatharaju stated that there are approximately 77,000 prisoners who can become productive employees and help reduce the country's reliance on foreign workers.
He stressed the need to utilize the available workforce and provide them with job opportunities.
At the signing of a Note of Collaboration between the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) and Prisons Department, Datuk Sivakumar noted that 588 individuals, including prisoners, ex-prisoners, and Henry Gurney School inmates, have received job offers through initiatives such as the Free Inmates Licence Placement Programme and Re-Entry@MyFutureJobs Programme since 2021 until last month.
Out of this number, 409 were ex-prisoners, 44 were parolees or under supervision, and the remaining were Henry Gurney School inmates.
Ultimately, the initiative is part of the Malaysian government's effort to support former inmates and prisoners in finding employment and reintegrating into society, while also benefiting the country's workforce and economy.
