PARLIAMENT Malaysian prisons have been recognised as among the best in the world for caring for the welfare and rights of inmates and  meet international standards, parliament heard today.

Deputy Home Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said its rehabilitation programme was not only made a course for Asia-Pacific prison officers under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), but had also been adopted by several countries.

“The Malaysia Prisons Department is very sensitive about the rights and welfare of inmates and provide professional service based on human values of fairness and equitability.

“All inmates are treated fairly in accordance with the standard procedure regardless of race, gender or political affiliation,” he said when replying to Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin (PKR-Bukit Katil) who asked whether the treatment of inmates meet standards under the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules (UNSMR).

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also confirmed that Malaysia had accorded inmates with the best service.

Asked by Shamsul Iskandar whether the inmates who registered as voters would get to vote, he said the matter would be discussed with the relevant parties.

On inmates and prison officers infected with tuberculosis, Wan Junaidi said the ministry would meet with the relevant parties to address the problem.

“I have directed the Prisons Department to arrange a meeting with the Health Ministry to provide immunisation to those infected and take preventive measures.”

Replying to a supplementary question from Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (BN-Masjid Tanah) on the treatment of women inmates, he said the Prisons Department was always concerned for their needs, particularly those who were pregnant.

“We accord them with the same treatment as that given to women outside prison. If they need weekly treatment, they will receive it,” he added.

- Bernama