Sibu: Irene Wong, Special Assistant to Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew, has urged the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) to ensure that the new Sibu prison is modern and focuses on rehabilitation, not just incarceration.
Wong suggested that the facility include a Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre and a Drug Rehabilitation Centre to provide a more comprehensive correctional system for the region.
She emphasised that these centres would help young offenders receive education and guidance, while drug addicts could benefit from structured recovery programmes and counselling.
“Rehabilitation is key to giving inmates a second chance and helping them reintegrate into society,” Wong said.
The plan to build the new Sibu Prison has been approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) at a total cost of RM300 million.
Wong said the project was first approved in 2012, and during the recent Parliament session, Oscar Ling confirmed that the prison is expected to be completed by December 2028.
Meanwhile, she added that Sarawak currently has juvenile rehabilitation centres only in Kuching and Miri.
“This means juveniles from Sibu and the central region have to travel far, which is costly, inconvenient, and makes it harder for their families to visit and provide support.
“If we have a centre in Sibu, juveniles from the central zone can stay closer to their hometowns. This will make it easier to maintain family ties and receive emotional support,” she said.
Wong stressed that both juvenile offenders and drug addicts are groups that can still be helped.
“Youths need education and guidance, while drug addicts need treatment and recovery programmes. With the right facilities, our justice system can do more than just punish; it can actually help people change, reduce repeat crimes, and make our community safer,” she said.
Speaking on why Sibu needs a new prison, Wong said that the current facility can only house around 450 inmates, but it has been overcrowded for years.
“This creates human rights concerns and makes management difficult. The new prison will be able to accommodate about 1,000 inmates, solving the overcrowding issue and providing prisoners with a safer and more dignified environment.
“This new prison is not only about adding more space; it’s also a chance to build proper facilities where inmates can learn new skills, receive vocational training, and participate in programmes that improve their chances of finding work after release. That way, they won’t be left behind by society,” she said.
