Penang: The 235th Prison Day celebration will take place at Padang Kota in Penang on May 17, said Prisons commissioner-general Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak. He highlighted the significance of Penang as the venue for this year’s celebration, which aims to showcase the evolution of the prison department’s operations from before independence to the present day.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this year’s celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on how the institution has evolved in serving to house prison inmates in a humane manner. Abdul Aziz noted that the 235-year evolution is a lengthy process and expressed hope that the public would gain insight into the role of prisons in isolating prisoners before they are reintegrated into society. These remarks were made during a Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the Kajang Prison Complex. The Home Ministry secretary-general, Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, was also present at the event.

In another development, Abdul Aziz addressed concerns regarding the security arrangements for former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the National Mosque, where he paid his last respects to the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He asserted that the arrangements were in accordance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Abdul Aziz explained that compliance with SOPs is crucial as each category of prisoner carries its own level of risk, necessitating measures to ensure their safety. He emphasized that the security control should not be perceived as harsh but rather as a means to strengthen safety measures for the individuals involved.

The media had earlier reported that Najib was granted permission by the High Court to pay his last respects to Tun Abdullah at the National Mosque. Tun Abdullah, the country’s fifth prime minister, passed away at the National Heart Institute last Monday at the age of 85.