SUNGAI BULOH: Two prisoners hope to continue their lives as barbers once they are released from the Sungai Buloh Prison after completing a barber workshop in prison.
A 32-year-old prisoner said that the barber certificate he received today from the deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives minister Datuk R. Ramanan has become an assurance for him after his sentence without having to worry about his background.
"Staying in prison here made me learn a lot of things from the hardships of life inside here where it is not the same as outside.
"Perhaps this experience that I have gained here will make me more disciplined.
"I joined the barber workshop because of my own curiosity to learn about new things and eventually, I am more skilled in cutting hair.
"I will be released in a year and I will continue in this field and plan to open my own barber shop in my village," said the prisoner who originated from Kemaman, Terengganu.
Another prisoner who came from Besut, Kelantan said he would also work as a barber after he was released.
"I joined this workshop for three months with the intention of learning and due to my passion in this field. I would like to work with other barbers in my hometown.
"My plan after being released from prison is to keep working hard and to be successful. I will look for work in my village since I have many acquaintances there who can help me," he said.
Earlier this morning, Ramanan officially opened the workshop and awarded certificates to the participants and its instructors at the Sungai Buloh Prison.
The Malaysian Needy Association, in collaboration with Sungai Buloh Prison, conducted the course for 10 students.
Throughout this course, the prisoners participated in 46 training sessions to learn hair cutting techniques from basic to advanced levels.
The programme included theoretical aspects such as the introduction to barbering tools, hair cutting training, practical use of the equipment, and hands-on practice cutting clients' hair.
In addition, the programme also focused on rehabilitation within the prison by using the art and skill of barbering as a tool to instil values of responsibility and discipline.
By offering practical skills and fostering positive values, the programme aimed to enhance employability, encourage positive behavioural change, and reduce recidivism within the community.
Sungai Buloh Prison director, Deputy Commissioner of Prisons Nik Robidin Ab Rahman said they welcomed collaborative programmes implemented by non-governmental organisations (NGO) like the Malaysian Needy Association.
"This programme not only provides new skills to the inmates but also offers them a second chance when they are released.
"According to statistics, over 500 inmates receive hair cutting services daily from trainees who participate in this workshop.
"Overall, the Malaysian Needy Association's initiative should be emulated by all parties, and we hope more NGOs will come forward to implement similar projects," he said.
