KUALA LUMPUR – Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer has suggested that death-row prisoners be given Covid-19 shots, preferably the “best vaccine” – Pfizer-BioNTech.
In the Dewan Rakyat today, Rayer stressed that prisoners should be given equal opportunity and attention to be inoculated.
“What about death-row prisoners who were found guilty and are appealing to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a royal pardon? Will they be given the vaccine?
“When will prisoners, who committed minor or serious offences, be vaccinated? What vaccines will be given to them?
“My request is that they should be given the ‘best vaccine’, which is Pfizer,” the DAP lawmaker said.
He raised the questions to Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Mohamed Said (Kuala Krau-Umno) during Ministers’ Question Time.
Responding to the matter, Ismail admitted that to date, the cumulative number of Covid-19 cases involving prisoners, cell staffers and their families stands at 51,123.
These figures include nine babies who were born in detention.
“We are confident and believe that the Home Ministry will ensure that all officers and inmates in the prison will receive vaccine shots.
“We will do it periodically and make sure that the best actions are taken,” he said.
In addition, he revealed that overcrowding in prisons nationwide remains a major issue, with an overcapacity of 13.5% on average.
“As of August 25, statistics from the Prisons Department showed that there are 69,507 prisoners, which has exceeded the actual capacity of 61,242 by 13.5% (8,265 people),” he said.
Ismail also said that the department has taken several actions to reduce congestion via the Home Ministry, which is also related to measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in correctional institutions.
Among measures taken include the relocation of inmates to prisons that are not congested, and setting up temporary detention centres.
“Thirteen camps previously used for the National Service programme were converted into satellite prisons to isolate and screen detainees before imprisoning them.
“Transit detention centres to house detainees and convicted prisoners have been established to reduce congestion.
“In line with the direction of the Prisons Department, two-thirds of convicted prisoners who are eligible will undergo rehabilitation outside prison walls or in the community,” he added. – The Vibes, September 28, 2021
