New Sibu Prison ready by December 2028

A new Sibu Prison is set to be built to replace the existing century-old facility, which is currently overcrowded.

The project has been approved with a significant budget and is a key initiative to modernize the prison system in central Sarawak.

Logic and purpose of the new Sibu prison

The primary logic behind constructing a new prison is to address the severe overcrowding at the current facility, which was built in 1918.

The existing prison has an official capacity of about 450 inmates but houses a population that is over 170% of that number, leading to an unsustainable situation.

The new prison is designed to have a capacity of 1,000 inmates, which will significantly alleviate the congestion and improve living conditions for prisoners.

Additionally, it aims to provide a modern, conducive environment for effective rehabilitation programs.

The goal is to ensure that inmates receive proper training and skills, such as those in pastry making, woodworking, and batik, to help them reintegrate into society after their release.

Sibu new prison cost and location

The new prison project is a major federal undertaking with an approved budget of over RM300 million.

This substantial investment reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing penal institutions in Malaysia.

The project’s completion is targeted for December 2028.

While the exact site has not been publicly specified, the new prison will be located in Sibu, Sarawak, to serve the central region of the state.

Prison design and features

The new facility is planned as a modern prison complex that will depart from the outdated architecture of the current one.

While specific design blueprints are not available, it is expected thet prison will have improved ventilation, natural light, and dedicated spaces for educational and vocational training programs.

Proposal for a new prison in Sibu was first made in 2016, with a proposed budget of RM100 – RM200 million.

Source: Sarawak Tribune, Borneo Post