Sepang: The Residents' Reintegration Centre (PRP) under the Malaysian Prisons Department continues to demonstrate its effectiveness as a platform for rehabilitation, helping inmates develop remorse and rebuild their lives on a more positive path.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, PRP serves as a second chance for eligible inmates, acting as a preparatory stage for reintegration into society before they are placed on parole or released. A Sepang PRP resident, or person under supervision (ODS), who wished to be known only as Syah, 41, shared his experience of undergoing various skills training at the centre. This training included food preparation, such as cakes, doughnuts, pizza, and sushi, as well as agricultural activities involving papaya, cucumber, and vegetables.

Syah described the environment at PRP as more open compared to prison, though still strictly controlled with an emphasis on discipline. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform tarawih prayers during Ramadan, drawing him closer to his faith. Syah, a father of one, previously served four years at Sungai Buloh Prison and one year at Kajang Prison for offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. He is now preparing to begin a new chapter upon his release in May, interacting warmly with his mother-in-law and 12-year-old daughter during the Aidilfitri celebration at the PRP.

Another resident, Syamsul, 37, who had been held at Kajang Prison since 2021 and began his placement at Sepang PRP in October 2025, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join its programmes. These included working at a courier company in Shah Alam. Syamsul, a father of four, is scheduled to be released in October 2027 and is considering continuing his work at the courier company or assisting his wife with her printing business.

Syamsul shared his emotional experience of meeting his family during Aidilfitri, acknowledging their support as motivation for change. He expressed regret for his past actions but was thankful for his family's understanding. His youngest child was just over a year old when he was imprisoned, and he looks forward to taking a holiday with his family upon his release.

Meanwhile, Sepang PRP deputy chief, Mohammad Hilmi Rasol, emphasised the importance of the family visit programme as a platform to strengthen moral support for residents throughout their rehabilitation. He highlighted the role of family support in ensuring real change, aiming for residents to return to society without prejudice.

Mohammad Hilmi Rasol also noted that residents are given opportunities to work with private companies willing to employ them, with some companies hiring them in large numbers, reflecting confidence in the PRP system. Community acceptance of ODS has improved, particularly through their involvement in activities such as community clean-ups, feasts, and school programmes.

Spanning 18.61 hectares, Sepang PRP began operations on January 11, 2021, with a workforce of 86 personnel. It currently houses 457 residents, of whom 280 are involved in industrial programmes outside the facility, working with their employers under the supervision of PRP officers.