Prisons Department director-general Datuk Seri Zulkifli Omar

KUALA LUMPUR,  Nov 8 -- The RM20 million allocation to the Prisons Department for  Human Development Programme (PPI) in Budget 2021 Budget, that was tabled yesterday, will be used, among others, to build the Royal Pahang Weaving Complex, said Prisons Department director-general Datuk Seri Zulkifli Omar.

He said a site in  Pahang would be identified to build the complex, where weaving classes would be held for prison inmates, with the cooperation of Universiti Teknologi Mara, to improve their vocational skills.

This is part of the efforts to set up a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution that is recognised under the Home Ministry and to produce prisoners with vocational skills, he told Bernama, adding that the allocation would also be spent to improve the Royal Pahang Weaving workshops at other prisons.

Zulkifli said it would also be used to improve infrastructure facilities and repair workshops and machines to improve the vocational skills of prison inmates.

"The skills training also serves as a therapy for prison inmates in shaping their identity and prepare them for their reintegration in  the community and also a platform for them to find employment opportunities after their release," he added.

Zulkifli expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah for Her Majesty’s consent in accepting the appointment as the Royal Patron of ‘My Pride’ craft and textile products produced by the Prisons Department.

“It is hoped that the prisoners will use this opportunity to prove that they are able to rise again and contribute to the country," he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Director General of the Malaysian Volunteer Department (RELA), Kamarudin Mohd Rapiq said the RM153 million allocation for the department in Budget 2021 would be used to improve facilities and infrastructure at RELA training centres.

He said it would also enable the department to improve its training modules, as well as courses, for its staff.

This is to enable more RELA members to undergo training as there are now more than three million members nationwide, he said, adding that it would be in line with the department’s role in assisting other enforcement agencies.

-- BERNAMA