‘Not true’, says Prisons Department as singer Yasin alleges ‘taiko’ bosses rule jail life

KOTA BHARU, Sept 21 — The Malaysian Prisons Department has dismissed claims made by singer-composer Yasin Sulaiman that life inside jail depends on money and influence. Senior director of prison policy Mohamad Rosidek Musa declared the allegations as untrue, stating that the prison system follows standard operating procedures (SOPs) to handle misconduct or negative incidents among inmates.

He affirmed that the department focuses on rehabilitation programmes and addresses negative occurrences, explaining that while incidents may occur, they are not as severe as Yasin has alleged. Musa pointed out that many inmates successfully rebuild their lives post-release, questioning the department's focus on negative aspects.

Earlier, Yasin had alleged during a podcast episode that a hierarchy existed among inmates, including groups known as “bos” and “taiko,” and claimed that drugs could be smuggled into prison if an individual had money and influence. Mohamad Rosidek reassured that any misconduct is dealt with according to established rules and procedures, with SOPs being continually improved.

He confirmed that conditions at Pengkalan Chepa Prison are under control, despite overcrowding being an ongoing issue the department is addressing. The department has implemented satellite prisons and inmate reintegration programs to allow prisoners to work outside, working to alleviate overcrowding and ensure proper inmate management.

The Malaysian Prisons Department Bookathon Programme 2026, held in collaboration with Boustead Holdings Berhad, Royale Chulan, and Syarikat Muda Osman Sdn Bhd (SMO), received a donation of 10,000 books for inmates across the nation, excluding Sabah and Sarawak. The programme, launched in February, aims to encourage the public to donate new or used books for inmates, offering various reading materials and a 20 per cent discount on books purchased through campaigns in SMO's 31 outlets.