Sibu: The construction project for the new Sibu Prison has received approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) with a cost of RM300 million, covering building works, supporting infrastructure, electronic security systems, and various other necessary facilities, said Sibu MP, Oscar Ling Chai Yew.
Oscar Ling, who is also the DAP Sarawak Vice Chairman, said the new prison will be able to accommodate 1,000 inmates and is expected to be completed by December 2028, subject to technical approval and annual budget allocations being received.
“This new prison will feature modern housing blocks, the latest international-standard security facilities based on humanitarian values, and will help address the overcrowding issue at Sibu Prison, which is currently 57 percent over its original capacity.
“KDN and the Malaysian Prison Department are committed to ensuring this project runs smoothly and will have a positive impact on the prison system, particularly in the central zone of Sarawak,” he said.
He stated this in reference to a reply from KDN through its Deputy Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, during a recent Q&A session in Parliament.
In his question, Oscar Ling had asked KDN to explain the ministry’s plan to resolve the overcrowding at Sibu Prison, the expected timeline for completing the new Sibu Prison, the latest status of the project, and the total cost involved.
Oscar Ling added that the current Sibu Prison was built in 1918 with an original capacity of around 450 inmates.
“However, the number of inmates has now exceeded 170% of its original capacity. Sibu urgently needs a modern prison to meet current demands,” he said.
In a supplementary question, he also asked whether KDN intends to implement prison system reforms in Malaysia, including considering alternative punishments for minor offenders and steps to ensure the effectiveness of inmate rehabilitation programs in reducing recidivism rates.
Oscar Ling also highlighted the issue of limited community acceptance of ex-prisoners, asking how KDN can assist in their reintegration into society.
Responding to this, Dr. Shamsul Anuar said that KDN is progressively and inclusively implementing comprehensive reforms to the country’s prison system, with an emphasis on rehabilitation, skills training, and reducing recidivism.
He explained that initiatives such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the ‘Teaching Factory’, ‘Work-Based Learning’, and the ‘Skills Training and Employability Program’ (STEP) Industry have helped inmates build skills and improve their employability after release.
“As of July 2025, a total of 7,051 job opportunities have been offered through the Corporate Smart Internship (CSI) program involving 789 active companies in the services, manufacturing, and trade sectors.
“We want prisons to serve as centers that provide second chances to inmates, while at the same time changing society’s perception to be more open in accepting them back into the community,” he said.
Meanwhile, Oscar Ling emphasised that the plan to build a new Sibu Prison was first proposed in 2016, with an estimated cost of between RM100 million and RM200 million.
“However, the cost has now risen to RM300 million, and I hope this project will not be delayed any further.
“KDN must ensure it is completed within the scheduled timeline to resolve the overcrowding problem at Sibu Prison,” he said.
