Bandar seri begawan: The Prisons Department marked its 72nd anniversary with a parade held at the Parade Ground of the Prisons Department Training Centre. The event, attended by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Minister of Home Affairs, highlighted the Department's ongoing efforts to implement rehabilitation programmes based on the process of Desistance.
According to Radio Television Brunei, Desistance refers to the process through which individuals cease engaging in criminal behavior and gradually reintegrate into society in a positive manner. Yang Berhormat emphasized the need for continued commitment from the Prisons Department officers and members, along with support from government agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and family members, to successfully implement these programmes through Whole of Government and Whole of Nation approaches.
Yang Berhormat also mentioned a collaboration between the Prisons Department and the Ministry of Education that recently allowed 32 local inmates to take the GCE 'O' Level examination. He further stressed the importance of religious and spiritual empowerment in rehabilitation programmes, urging the Prisons Department to review the incentives under the Al-Qur'an Memorisation Tasmie' Scheme to encourage broader participation among inmates and ensure a well-planned training plan with continuous guidance.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Outstanding Employee Award and the Brunei Prison Self Defence Badge.