He said the community rehabilitation programme would be empowered to help prisoners reintegrate into society and be useful citizens.

The out-of-prison correctional programme such as parole system and compulsory attendance order will be extended as an alternative programme to overcome prison congestion, he said.

“With about 39,000 prisoners benefiting from the programme outside the prison walls, and with a recidivism rate of 0.5%, the programme should be expanded,” he said at the 229th Prison Days celebration at the Malaysia Prisons College here today.

Also present was Deputy Home Minister Mohd Azis Jamman and Prisons director-general Zulkifli Omar.

Muhyiddin said there was positive development in the cooperation with the private sector through the Corporate Smart Internship (CSI), implemented under the People on Parole (ODP) programme.

“Forty-four private companies in 12 states involving 2,005 ODP have gone through the CSI programme since 2016.

“The Reintegration of Inmates in Industry, implemented with a private company in Sungai Petani involving 35 people under supervision, showed success,” he said.

He added that the ministry would ensure prisons are equipped with recreational and security facilities and more systematically designed buildings.

“The rehabilitation of inmates will be made more effective with more teaching staff and suitable rehabilitation programmes,” he said.

Muhyiddin also announced the implementation of Prison Open Day, saying this would build a positive perception among the people on prisons and help inmates regain their confidence.