WHILE the Malaysia Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE) prioritises rehabilitation and reintegration, the prison system itself may be inadvertently fostering radicalisation. Despite repeated calls for reform, detainees continue to endure harsh conditions and human rights abuses, ultimately undermining rehabilitation efforts.

As of November 2024, Malaysia’s prisons are 11.24% over capacity, holding 87,419 inmates instead of the intended 82,482. With an incarceration rate of 245 per 100,000 people—well above the global average of 145—overcrowding remains a critical issue. Notably, non-violent drug addicts account for 60% to 65% of the prison population.

Moreover, prison conditions in Malaysia are dire—poor sanitation, inadequate food, and limited ventilation. Women on death row, making up 11% of death sentences (far exceeding Sri Lanka’s 6.5%, Indonesia’s 2.2%, and the US’s 2%), lack access to gynaecologists and sanitary products, further worsening their daily struggles.

Malaysia recorded 77 custodial deaths in 2023, including 11 in prisons. A 15-year records study at Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital Seremban documented 172 custodial deaths, 84.88% deemed natural—yet most (65.07%) from infectious diseases (Mahamad Arif et al., 2021). Notably, half of these natural deaths (73 cases) occurred in prisons, underscoring the critical state of medical care and conditions behind bars.

A 2017 Suhakam report exposed inadequate prison healthcare despite inmates’ constitutional right to medical care. Staff shortages and lack of training in communicable diseases, drug addiction, and mental health worsen the issue. The absence of sick bays means ill inmates remain in their cells, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

The lack of mental healthcare is especially concerning, as prisoners face higher rates of mental disorders than the general population, with 15% to 50% affected. A shortage of skilled practitioners delays the detection of psychological distress, increasing the risk of self-harm or inmate violence.

Prisons are prime breeding grounds for radicalisation, offering ideal conditions for extremists to recruit and spread their ideology (Jones & Morales, 2012). When violent extremist offenders mix with other criminals, they form networks, exchange skills, and reinforce extremist beliefs (Basra et al., 2016). This fusion of extremist ideology and criminal expertise (Neumann, 2010) strengthens core group capabilities and broadens their operational reach (Trujillo, 2009).

Furthermore, physical and emotional trauma increases vulnerability to radicalisation in prison (Mulcahy et al., 2013). Hostile conditions can reinforce extremist beliefs, undermining deradicalisation efforts (Thompson, 2018). Personal crises, social isolation, overcrowding, violence, and group dynamics further fuel radicalisation, as inmates seek protection and belonging.

Concerningly, recidivism is a recurring theme among Malaysia’s extremist offenders. Just this month, an ex-contractor received a five-year sentence for possessing IS-related materials, despite a prior charge in 2018.

The recidivism rate among offenders surged to 18.2% in 2022—a sharp rise from pre-pandemic levels—attributed to security risks, rising prison costs, overcrowding, and potential rehabilitation failures.

Given these factors, Malaysia’s prisons foster conditions ripe for radicalisation. More critically, if left unchecked, these challenges could severely undermine MyPCVE’s rehabilitative efforts.

As EMIR Research noted, house arrests, community service, and community-based rehabilitation effectively address prison overcrowding (“Reducing Malaysian Prisons Through Justice Reforms”). In 2023, community rehabilitation (PDK) had a 95.77% success rate, while community-based initiatives best reduced recidivism. Given their proven impact, these programmes should be expanded and integrated into MyPCVE to enhance detainees’ disengagement from extremism and reintegration.

Crucially, reintegration plans for former detainees require strong local partnerships with law enforcement, CSOs, welfare departments, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, and the private sector (Initiative 3.7). These collaborations ensure adequate social, financial, and psychological support, helping ex-prisoners rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.

According to the Radical Awareness Network (2016), law enforcement can foster healthier prisons and bolster detainees’ resilience against radicalisation through “dynamic security,” which encompasses dimensions such as professionalism; staff–prisoner relationships; well-being and personal development; conditions and family contact; and security, safety, and control. MyPCVE’s focus on professionalising efforts (Initiative 3.5) aligns with global P/CVE best practices, but further refinement is needed to close existing gaps and enhance overall effectiveness.

Professionalising

Prison staff must be trained to detect radicalisation indicators, intervene swiftly, and implement effective rehabilitative measures. However, Kamaruddin et al. (2017) identified challenges in Malaysia’s deradicalisation programmes, including unstructured counsellor training and the risk of employing radical religious counsellors. Therefore, rigorous background checks on religious authorities involved are essential, given that religious rehabilitation is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s approach.

Furthermore, emulating Singapore, where religious rehabilitation teams hold diplomas in counselling, Malaysia should offer P/CVE specialised training, certifications, and even degree programmes to build the operational capacity and expertise of agencies involved in rehabilitation (as per MyPCVE’s Initiative 3.5) and other P/CVE focus areas. A vague increase in the “number of activities” under Initiative 3.5 KPIs is insufficient for enhancing personnel allocations in rehabilitation programs. Are we merely counting workshops, which are easy to increase yet may lack tangible impact, or should KPIs instead measure the introduction of professional P/CVE degree programmes in universities, the percentage of certified specialists employed in P/CVE agencies, and ultimately, the number of successfully reintegrated detainees with reduced (re)radicalisation nation rates?

Staff-prisoner Relationship

MyPCVE emphasises strengthening agency expertise in rehabilitation, yet it overlooks a crucial element: the ability of prison staff to treat at-risk inmates with dignity and respect. Daily, meaningful interactions are vital for fostering trust and dismantling “us versus them” barriers. A Sukabdi (2015) survey and Surmon-Böhr et al. (2020) evidence both indicate that sincere, respectful law enforcement engagement is key to successful disengagement and information disclosure.

MyPCVE should mandate structured training for all staff in communication and de-escalation techniques (aligned with MyPCVE’s Initiative 3.5). Regular evaluation and sensitivity workshops—modelled on best practices from successful deradicalisation programmes locally and globally—must be instituted to ensure that humane engagement becomes an integral part of prison culture, ultimately supporting disengagement from extremist ideologies.

Well-being and Personal Development

In line with humane engagement, rehabilitation extends beyond preventing radicalisation—it must also address the basic human needs and personal growth of detainees. Specifically, prisons must be upgraded to ensure hygienic facilities, adequate food and water supply, and some recreational time. This also should include ensuring sufficient trained medical staff to provide proper healthcare to inmates who are sick. Integrating prison reforms that enhance living conditions would significantly complement the MyPCVE initiatives aimed at promoting educational and vocational opportunities (Initiatives 3.11–3.13 under Rehabilitation Pillar).

Success metrics should include measurable improvements in detainee well-being, increased certification rates among inmates in training modules, and higher rates of post-release employment, all contributing to reduced re-radicalisation.

Conditions and Family Contact

Family support is a proven factor in successful rehabilitation and deradicalisation (Basra, 2022). MyPCVE must expand current policies to incorporate comprehensive family contact programmes (complementing Initiative 3.8). This means improving visitation spaces to be more welcoming and child-friendly, as well as enhancing communication channels—such as regular phone calls and video conferencing.

Moreover, family members should receive education on recognising radicalisation indicators and supporting reintegration. Reform efforts here could also integrate social welfare initiatives that offer targeted financial and psychological support to detainees’ families, thereby creating a more resilient support system upon release.

Security, Safety, and Control

Effective security is fundamental to preventing the spread of extremist ideologies within prisons. Deficiencies in prison security and structure compromise the safety of prisoners, causing them to seek protection through other means, including from gang-like groups. These groups aggravate prison hierarchies, stir conflicts between groups of prisoners, and increase the risks of violence in prisons.

MyPCVE should advocate for comprehensive reforms to address staffing shortages and improve structural controls (in line with the broader security focus outlined in MyPCVE). This includes recruiting and training more professionals in prison security who are not only adept at surveillance and control but also skilled in conflict resolution. Enhanced protocols for identifying and isolating extremist elements must be established. Additionally, investments in infrastructure upgrades—such as improved cell conditions, better medical facilities, and updated surveillance technologies—are necessary to create a secure environment that minimises opportunities for extremist groups to form and thrive.

While MyPCVE focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration, true deradicalisation cannot occur without reforming Malaysia’s prison system. Overcrowded, under-resourced, and unsafe conditions not only hinder rehabilitation but actively foster extremist ideologies. To safeguard the nation’s future, comprehensive prison reforms—encompassing improved staff training, better living conditions, enhanced family engagement, and robust security measures—must be integrated into MyPCVE. Only by transforming prisons into environments that support human dignity and growth can Malaysia hope to break the cycle of radicalisation and recidivism.




Dr Margarita Peredaryenko and Avyce Heng are part of the research team at EMIR Research, an independent think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research.


** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.