Ipoh: Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah has given his consent for the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) to collaborate with the Prisons Department in Perak to initiate efforts aimed at assisting former inmates.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Nazrin has tasked the Mufti Department with examining whether former prisoners qualify under any 'asnaf' categories for zakat (tithe) assistance, which could aid them in rebuilding their lives. He also instructed MAIPk to consider allocating funds to enable released prisoners to participate in skills training programs that can facilitate their reintegration into society and help them lead productive lives after completing their sentences. His Royal Highness emphasized the importance of providing support to those who have experienced the criminal justice system and served time in prison.
Sultan Nazrin made these remarks during a ceremony for the presentation of appointment instruments to various officials, including the president and members of MAIPk, Syariah Court judges, and members of the Mosque Consultative Council. The event also featured the handover of business and income zakat. Present at the ceremony were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and MAIPk president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini.
His Royal Highness expressed his belief that an entity or body should focus on aiding former inmates, suggesting that MAIPk could play a pivotal role in helping them embark on a new chapter in their lives. Sultan Nazrin highlighted existing cooperation between MAIPk and the Perak Prisons Department, which has pioneered community development initiatives through an 'Islamic correctional model' at the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre and Tapah Prison. These programs have reportedly received positive responses.
The Ruler noted that, beginning in January 2025, a tahfiz academy was established at the Batu Gajah Women's Correctional Centre, with seven participants, one of whom has successfully memorized six juzuk of the Quran. A Quran memorization program was also introduced at Tapah Prison in February 2025, attracting 18 participants, some of whom have memorized three juzuk of the Quran.
Sultan Nazrin stated that these programs are funded through waqf and zakat allocations, which provide the necessary equipment, learning facilities, and teaching personnel. He emphasized that the funding also supports welfare activities as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation effort, focusing on the physical, emotional, intellectual, and moral development of participants.