Bi Partisan Group Calls For Reforms To Stem Covid 19 In Prisons

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A bipartisan group of lawmakers have urged the authorities to take immediate steps to stem the spread of Covid-19 in detention centres and prisons.
The All Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia for the Reform of All Places of Detention (APPGM) said that until measures are taken to stem the spread of Covid-19 among detainees, the public will not be safe.
"As clearly shown through the pandemic, prison health is public health, and the two are undeniably interrelated.
"Ignoring the spread of Covid-19 within the prison and detention centre walls will lead to ongoing spread and spillover into the general community," the group said in a statement.
The group consists of Azalina Othman Said (Umno-Pengerang, Dewan Rakyat deputy spreaker), Rohani Abdul Katim (PBB-Batang Lupar), Vell Paari (MIC, senator), Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR-Permatang Pauh), Mohd Azis Jamman (Warisan-Sepanggar), Liew Chin Tong (DAP, senator) and lawyers Sangeet Kaur Deo and Amin Karlos.
While acknowledging that the Prisons Department are trying their best, the group early release of 11,018 prisoners who qualify for "release on license" would be a "great start" towards reducing prison overcrowding.
"The prisons department must be given the necessary support from the government to be able to implement the proposed early release urgently.
"This will need to be guided by research and evidence and involve all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, to ensure it is done properly," said the group.
The group also offered to assist the government with its technical input on preventing the spread of Covid-19 in prison and detention centres.
The third wave of Covid-19 infections which began in September has largely been attributed to the Benteng cluster in Kedah and several clusters in South-eastern Sabah - both incidents involving detention centres.
Recently, the Jalan Harapan cluster - linked to the Sungai Buloh prison - has spread throughout the country. - Mkini

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