KUALA LUMPUR – The Prisons Department has two sets of standard operating procedures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in prisons, said Deputy Home Minister I Datuk Seri Ismail Mohamed Said.
He said the SOPs pertained to the acceptance or admission of new inmates and on their escort.
“The Prisons Department takes measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the prison community based on the SOPs set by the Health Ministry to treat, quarantine, and prevent the spread of the epidemic.
“This SOP aims to ensure the safety of prisoners, prison staff, the police, and all other enforcement personnel involved," he said in response to a question from Senator Lim Hui Ying in the Dewan Negara today.
Lim wanted to know measures and plans by the government to address the spread of Covid-19 among prisoners and prison staff.
Ismail said the Prisons Department also has its own Standing Order on screening tests, requiring prisoners to have their test results before they can be accepted at prisons.
“This order is in line with the decision of the special session of the National Security Council dated last October 15 which requires screening tests for all prisoners to prevent the spread of the virus,” he added.
In response to a supplementary question from Lim on the possibility of prisoners with minor offences given early release, Ismail said the government has no intention of shortening their prison terms during the pandemic.
However, he said the rights of prisoners who are eligible for parole or release on licence or through state pardons will not be hampered. – Bernama, December 22, 2020
