GEORGE TOWN: The National Security Council’s decision in ending the enhanced movement control order (MCO) at nine prisons and detention centres nationwide is an early indication of the success in flattening the curve of the Covid-19 case, says the Prisons Department.
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“The Prisons Department would like to thank the Health Ministry, Home Ministry and all enforcement agencies that were involved in the prevention of Covid -19 outbreak in the prisons,” said director-general Datuk Seri Zulkifli Omar (pic).
“We have the highest appreciation to all Prisons Department personnel on their commitment and loyalty in executing their duty although they also face the challenge of possibly contracting the virus,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Nov 3).
Zulkifli added that from Sept 1 to Nov 2, a total of 63,730 tests were conducted on the inmates, staff and their family members by the department and Health Ministry.
He said as of Nov 2, a total of 3,721 recoveries were recorded.
He added that aside from adhering to the strict SOP imposed by the Health Ministry in treating and isolating individuals that tested positive for Covid-19, the department also quarantined all inmates, staff and their family members as well as the close contacts who could be infected with the virus.
“The spread within prisons is under control following the implementation of the quarantine and lockdown strategy.
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“The order on Oct 15 to delay the transfer of detainees from other enforcement agencies to the prisons was issued to prevent the outbreak of the virus through remand prisoners or lock up detainees also helps.
“The department is also continuing its no-visit approach,” he said.
Zulkifli also said the department would improve its SOP on receiving, accompanying and managing inmates to prevent a repeat of virus spread.
Nine prisons and detention centres in the north and Selangor were placed under the enhanced MCO on Oct 23 which ends on Nov 4.
The enforcement covers the prison building and staff quarters of the Perlis Correctional Centre, Sungai Petani Prison, Kamunting Correctional Centre and Taiping prisons.
In Selangor, the order involved the Sungai Buloh remand prison, Kajang and Kajang Women’s prisons as well as the Puncak Alam Correctional Centre. – THE STAR