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KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Prisons has two sets of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of Covid-19 in prisons, said Deputy Interior Minister I Datuk Seri, Dr. Ismail Mohamed Said.
He said that SOPs referred to the acceptance or admission of new prisoners and their escort.
“The Department of Prisons takes measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the prison community based on the SOP established by the Ministry of Health to treat, quarantine and prevent the spread of the epidemic.
“This SOP is intended to ensure the safety of inmates, prison staff, police and all law enforcement personnel involved,” he said in response to a question from Senator Lim Hui Ying in Dewan Negara today.
Lim wanted to know the government’s measures and plans to address the spread of Covid-19 among inmates and prison staff.
Aside from that, Ismail said that the Department of Prisons also has its own Standing Order regarding Covid-19 screening, which requires inmates to have the results of their Covid-19 screening test before they can be accepted. in the respective prisons.
“This order is in line with the decision of the special session of the National Security Council on October 15 that requires the Covid-19 detection test in all prisoners to prevent the spread of the virus,” he added.
In response to a follow-up question from Lim about the possibility of prisoners with minor offenses being released early, Ismail said the government has no intention of shortening their sentences during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, he said the right of prisoners who are eligible for parole, licensed release or state clemency will not be hindered.
On measures to overcome overcrowding in prisons, he said, the Department of Prisons, among others, implements the Probation System, the Mandatory Assistance Order, the program for the Reintegration of Industrial Residents, the program of ‘Smart Corporate Practices’ and Licensed Release. – Called
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