MAIPK To Pioneer Prisons Dept Collaboration To Help Former Inmates - Sultan Nazrin

IPOH, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah has consented for the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) to collaborate with the Prisons Department in Perak to pioneer efforts in assisting former inmates.

Sultan Nazrin said he has instructed the Mufti Department to study whether former prisoners fall under any eligible ‘asnaf’ categories entitled to zakat (tithe) assistance to help them rebuild their lives.

“I have directed MAIPk to consider allocating funds to support released prisoners by enabling them to undergo suitable skills training programmes so that they can quickly embark on a productive life after serving their prison sentences.

“Prisoners have gone through the experience of being arrested by the police, standing trial in court and undergoing detention in prison,” His Royal Highness said.

Sultan Nazrin said this when gracing the presentation of instruments of appointment to the president and members of MAIPk, Syariah Court judges, members of the Mosque Consultative Council, as well as the handover ceremony of business and income zakat here today.

Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and MAIPk president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini.

Sultan Nazrin said it was his view that there should be an entity or body that focuses attention on former inmates, and that MAIPk could play a constructive role in helping them start a new chapter in life.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness also noted that MAIPk has established cooperation with the Prisons Department in Perak to pioneer community development programmes through the introduction of a high-impact ‘Islamic correctional model’ at the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre and Tapah Prison, which have received encouraging responses.

“Beginning January 2025, a tahfiz academy was established at the Batu Gajah Women’s Correctional Centre, with seven participants, one of whom has successfully memorised six juzuk of the Quran.

“Starting February 2025, a Quran memorisation programme was introduced at Tapah Prison, attracting 18 participants, some of whom have managed to memorise three juzuk of the Quran,” His Royal Highness said.

Sultan Nazrin said the programmes at both prison centres are funded through waqf and zakat allocations to provide equipment, learning facilities and teaching personnel.

The Ruler said the funding also supports welfare activities as part of a holistic rehabilitation effort encompassing physical, emotional, intellectual and moral development.

-- BERNAMA