MIRI: The Handover Ceremony for International Transfer of Prisoners between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam took place in an orderly manner at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex in Sungai Tujuh, here, on Tuesday.

The ceremony, organised by the Malaysian Prisons Department, witnessed the transfer of Malaysian prisoners to Brunei Darussalam in accordance with the provisions of the International Transfer of Prisoners Act 2012 (Act 754) and the Treaty on the International Transfer of Prisoners, which was signed between the two countries on August 3, 2023.

Senior Director of the Prison Policy Division of the Malaysian Prisons Department, Ajidin Salleh emphasised that this transfer programme provides eligible foreign prisoners the opportunity to serve the remainder of their sentences in their home countries while aiding their rehabilitation and social reintegration upon returning to society.

"This transfer of prisoners reflects the concern of both governments in ensuring the welfare and rights of prisoners are upheld.

"Additionally, it also strengthens diplomatic relations and the criminal justice system between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam," he said during the ceremony.

He also highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in prison management, prisoner rehabilitation, as well as the exchange of expertise and modern technology to enhance the prisoner rehabilitation system in both countries.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Prisons Department expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Home Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, the Brunei Prisons Department, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Royal Brunei Police Force, the Malaysian Immigration Department, as well as the Immigration and National Registration Department of Brunei, along with all parties involved in making this transfer a success.

This ceremony marks the continued commitment of both countries to strengthening the criminal justice system and ensuring the welfare of prisoners is always preserved. -UKASnews