Prisons dept steps up intel gathering, monitoring after contraband claims

The prisons department is intensifying its intelligence gathering, monitoring, and compliance reviews to address allegations of a widespread contraband trade within facilities such as Taiping and Kajang prisons. This includes drugs, mobile phones, and tobacco, according to former and current prison wardens who have come forward with these claims.

The department has stated that these measures are being taken alongside strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to detect potential threats and ensure timely preventive and enforcement actions. While recognizing that isolated incidents or misconduct might occur within any institution, the department emphasizes its commitment to handling every identified breach according to existing regulations.

Safety, security, discipline, and inmate welfare are maintained as top priorities in managing prison institutions throughout the country. The department has urged anyone possessing information or complaints about misconduct, illegal acts, or the smuggling of prohibited items to submit official reports directly to the police or relevant authorities.

It further encourages the public to rely on official sources for information and to refrain from spreading unverified claims or speculative narratives that could undermine confidence in the national correctional system.