KUALA LUMPUR: The Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) together with the Prisons Department, have signed a note of collaboration to give inmates and former convicts a second chance to return to society.
Human Resources Minister, V. Sivakumar said that the signing of the note of collaboration between the two agencies is a two-pronged approach that will help provide former convicts with employment opportunities as well as addressing the issue of the shortage of manpower.
"It will have a positive implication in giving those being released from prison or the Henry Gurney School in adapting to their new life.
"This collaboration is also a sign of support towards the yellow ribbon project by giving them a second chance to return to society following their incarceration," he said.
He added that from 2021 until March this year, a total of 588 convicts, Henry Gurney School occupants and former convicts have been offered employment.
"In the same period, employers that participated in the payroll initiative programme have given 234 persons under parole (ODP) and persons under surveillance (ODS) training."
Sivakumar also urged employers around the country to give the opportunity of employment to these groups of people, including job positions that were usually filled by foreign workers.
Meanwhile, Perkeso chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal was optimistic that the collaboration between Perkeso and the Prisons Department would help change the fate of the former convicts for the better.
"We want to send a message to society that the former inmates deserve the chance to redeem themselves and repair their lives.
"This strategic partnership between Perkeso and the Prisons Department would also help develop a more inclusive economy and help expand the social protection to all members of society in line with the Madani concept of acknowledging the rights of all Malaysians," Subahan said.
Also present at the signing were Prisons Department Commissioner-General Datuk Nordin Muhammad and Perkeso chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed.
