Answer for Oral Question PL243

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub

YANG BERHORMAT AWANG HAJI MOHAMAD DANIAL @ TEKPIN BIN YA'AKUB asked the MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS to state the data on the recidivism rate for individuals serving Probation Orders compared with those who have been imprisoned. Does the Ministry plan to establish such an impact assessment system and create a national database to measure programme effectiveness based on recidivism rates, employment opportunities and reintegration into society?

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri

The matter raised is a good observation. However, the assessment of recidivism rates needs to be viewed comprehensively through a Whole-of-Government approach, whether involving individuals placed under Probation Orders or those sentenced to imprisonment.

The two mechanisms differ in terms of jurisdiction, form of punishment and administrative management. A Probation Order is not a sentence of imprisonment, but a court order made under the provisions of the Offenders (Probation and Community Service) Act, Chapter 220, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, and differs from the laws governing imprisonment sentences.

The implementation of Probation Orders is administered by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, such as through community service programmes. Meanwhile, for individuals sentenced to imprisonment, records of admission, release and re-admission are managed by the Prisons Department.

With regard to recidivism, the Prisons Department has data relating to former inmates who return to serve terms of imprisonment. Based on the Department's record observations, the offences frequently associated with re-admission include theft- and drug-related offences. However, a direct comparison with individuals under Probation Orders requires the coordination of data, definitions and uniform measurement methods among the relevant agencies.

In efforts to reduce the risk of recidivism, the Prisons Department also implements rehabilitation programmes during imprisonment (Incare) as well as extended programmes after release (Aftercare). These programmes encompass character development, religious guidance, counselling, skills training, family support, employment opportunities and assistance with reintegration into society. This approach is important because the effectiveness of rehabilitation is measured not only by the absence of recidivism, but also by employment stability, acceptance by family and society, and the ability of former inmates to lead productive lives.

With regard to the proposal to establish an impact assessment system and a national database, this is a good proposal that may be examined through coordination among the Prisons Department, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Judiciary and the relevant agencies. It is pleasing to share that the Prisons Department and the Academy of Brunei Studies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, have held discussions to support criminological and penological studies, as well as the development of a more comprehensive database. This effort is intended to strengthen the assessment of programme effectiveness based on recidivism rates, employment opportunities and the level of reintegration into society.