{
  "id": 8859991,
  "title": "Prisons dept denies Yasin's claims of money, influence determining prison life",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/prisons-dept-denies-yasins-claims-of-money-influence-determining",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T06:32:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1537548/prisons-dept-denies-yasins-claims-money-influence-determining-prison"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In an interview on a podcast, singer and composer Yasin Sulaiman claimed that prison life is largely determined by money and influence, suggesting a caste system or hierarchy among inmates based on their financial status. Responding to these allegations, the Prisons Department denied the claims, stating that procedures are in place to prevent such practices. Prisons Department senior director of prison policy Mohamad Rosidek Musa emphasized that the department focuses on rehabilitation programs and addresses negative practices within prisons. He acknowledged that Yasin's status as a well-known figure may have drawn attention to the allegations on social media, but stated that the department is unsure of the motive behind the claims. Musa urged attention to be given to the successes of former inmates after their release, rather than focusing on negative aspects. He noted that many released inmates have gone on to succeed, suggesting that the focus should be on the department's achievements. The Prisons Department is committed to addressing and taking action against misconduct and other issues within prisons. Yasin, who was recently released from prison, was acquitted of three drug-related charges in November 2023 but was placed at Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta, Perak. The Prisons Department held a closing ceremony for its Bookathon programme at Pengkalan Chepa Prison, which was organized in collaboration with several organizations.",
  "summary": "KOTA BARU: Allegations by singer and composer Yasin Sulaiman that prison life is largely determined by money and influence are untrue, the Prisons department said.",
  "key_points": [
    "Prisons Department denies Yasin's claims of money and influence determining prison life.",
    "Senior director Mohamad Rosidek Musa emphasizes rehabilitation programs.",
    "Department focuses on inmates' successes post-release, not negative aspects."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Prisons Department's denial of Yasin's claims signals a pushback against allegations of corruption and a stated commitment to rehabilitation over a system of influence and financial hierarchy.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Prisons dept denies claims prison life depends on money, influence",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/prisons-dept-denies-claims-prison-life-depends-on-money-influence",
        "published": "2026-09-21T07:39:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}