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

Kota Bharu, September 21 — The Malaysian Prisons Department has rejected singer-composer Yasin Sulaiman's assertion that prison life hinges on money and influence. Senior director of prison policy Mohamad Rosidek Musa stated that this claim is false, as the department follows established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to manage inmate misconduct or negative incidents.

He emphasized their focus on rehabilitation programs and handling negative occurrences, noting that while some incidents may occur, they are not as severe as alleged. Mohamad Rosidek pointed out that many released prisoners successfully rebuild their lives, questioning the need to concentrate on negative aspects. Yasin had previously alleged a hierarchy among inmates, including groups known as "bos" and "taiko," and claimed that drugs could be smuggled in with sufficient money and influence.

The prisons department countered this by stating that all misconduct is addressed via established rules and procedures, which are continually improved and reviewed. Currently, conditions at Pengkalan Chepa Prison are under control, despite overcrowding, which the department is actively addressing through satellite prisons and reintegration programs that allow prisoners to work outside.

The Malaysian Prisons Department Bookathon Programme 2026, launched in February, has received a donation of 10,000 books for inmates across the nation (excluding Sabah and Sarawak). Organized in partnership with Boustead Holdings Berhad, Royale Chulan, and Syarikat Muda Osman Sdn Bhd (SMO), the program encourages public donations of new or used books, with SMO offering a 20% discount on books purchased and donated through campaigns in its 31 outlets.