Telok Mas: The Malaysian Prisons Department is calling upon private sector companies, corporate entities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to assist in funding higher education programs for inmates eager to further their studies.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Ibrisam Abdul Rahman, the deputy commissioner-general for Security and Corrections, emphasized that while inmates are serving sentences, many show a keen interest in pursuing educational qualifications ranging from diplomas to doctorate degrees. Ibrisam highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in this context, noting that current funds are limited and insufficient to cover the complete educational expenses for inmates, particularly those lacking family financial support.

He pointed out that some inmates receive financial backing from their families, but others without such means need additional funding to advance beyond the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) level. Ibrisam shared these insights during a media briefing in Telok Mas.

Earlier in the day, Ibrisam officiated the 2024 Integrity Schools and Henry Gurney Schools (SISHG) appreciation ceremony, which saw participation from Melaka Prisons director deputy commissioner Rosman Norman. Ibrisam further detailed that the Prisons Department has formed alliances with three higher education institutions: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Open University Malaysia (OUM), and Asia College of Exercise Medicine. This collaboration, which began in 2008, has expanded the academic programs available to inmates.

Currently, there are three inmates enrolled in PhD programs, nine in master’s degree courses, 10 pursuing bachelor’s degrees, and 200 participating in diploma-level studies.