| James Kon |
HIGH-QUALITY wooden furniture, textiles and handicrafts made by prison inmates are currently on display at a sales expo held by the Prisons Department, in Kampong Mentiri.
Prisons Director Haji Ismail bin Haji Murat officially launched the event yesterday, in conjunction with the 64th anniversary of the Prisons Department.
The three-day expo also involves several participants of Rakan Seliaan, or aftercare programme, in an attempt to provide more public awareness on the current approach to rehabilitation through vocational education and skills training.
According to Mohd Hilmi bin Haji Wasli, the Head Teacher at the Prisons Department and organising chairman of the expo, “Response to products made by inmates has always been very encouraging. The lumber used to make the furniture is of high quality, such as hardwood. Some of the furniture pieces are also made from wood pallets.”
He also stressed the crucial role played by society in the reintegration of former inmates to begin a fresh life.
One Rakan Seliaan participant, identified as Ruby, told the Weekend Bulletin that she used her time in prison to learn new skills by attending cookery and gardening classes.
“After my release in August 2016, I was able to use the skills to bring in extra income,” she said, adding, “I am often invited to showcase my products at similar expos.”
The homemaker, who was given a six-month sentence for fraud, admitted that life in prison was hard. “But thanks to the aftercare programme, I was able to reintegrate back into society.”
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