Terengganu: Employers in the tourism and hospitality sectors on Terengganu’s resort islands are encouraged to hire inmates out on parole. Terengganu Prisons director Mohd Nasir Yusof highlighted the employment opportunities available for inmates categorized as parolees (ODP) and persons released on licence (OBB) through the Corporate Smart Internship for Parolees (CSI Parol) programme.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this initiative aims to provide employment opportunities in different fields. A total of 720 inmates have participated in the CSI programme in the state, with approximately 500 individuals successfully employed across various sectors. Currently, 32 inmates are working with three different employers on Redang Island, while five inmates are employed by a single employer on Perhentian Island. This information was shared by Mohd Nasir during the opening of the Community, OBB, and Employers’ awareness programme on Perhentian Island.

Mohd Nasir expressed the department’s goal to have at least five employers in the sector hire parolees this year. He emphasized the mutual benefits of the programme for both employers and inmates. Inmates involved are nearing release, have undergone thorough screening, and are continuously monitored during their employment. Feedback from tourism sector employers has been positive, citing good customer treatment and absence of criminal misconduct among the working inmates. In some instances, inmates fully released from prison were immediately offered permanent employment by the same employers.

This programme also aims to educate the public, particularly employers, on the importance of giving parolees a second chance to rebuild their lives, regain self-confidence, and contribute positively to society.