Pokok sena: The recidivism rate of inmates participating in the community rehabilitation programme (PDK) in 2024 was 0.28 per cent, indicating significant success in the implementation of the programme. Prisons Department deputy commissioner-general (Rehabilitation) Ahmad Faudzi Awang said that the rate is much lower compared to inmates who do not participate in the programme, which is around 11.6 per cent.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Faudzi highlighted the aspiration of both the department and the government to enhance the effectiveness of the PDK and successfully implement the programme. He emphasized the need for close cooperation from the community, particularly industry players, to provide job opportunities for inmates. Currently, 689 industry players have registered to collaborate with the Prisons Department nationwide under the PDK, with expectations for this number to rise by the end of the year.

The announcement was made during the handover of duties ceremony of the Kedah Prisons director at the Pokok Sena Prison multipurpose hall. At the event, C. Charin Promwichit was appointed as the new director of Kedah State Prison, replacing Rahmat Abdul Rani, who has been appointed as the director of Prisons Professionalism Development.

Ahmad Faudzi further stated that over 7,500 job opportunities have been provided by the industry, covering sectors such as services, trade, hospitality, and agriculture. With the positive response, the target is to increase job opportunities to 10,000 by the end of the year, surpassing the initial target of 8,500. He noted that many other industry players are interested in collaborating, making the target achievable.