Inside Taiping Prison: Unveiling Shocking Crimes, Costs, and Life Beyond Bars

Taiping, Perak: Taiping Prison, the oldest modern prison in Malaysia, has recently become a focal point of public discourse following revelations of disturbing crimes and the reality of life behind its bars.

A social media user, @ciksepul, shared his experience visiting the prison, highlighting a case where an inmate received a 75-year sentence for sexually assaulting his three daughters. The convict reportedly justified his heinous actions with the shocking statement, “Better me than someone else,” sparking widespread outrage.

Grave Crimes in Taiping Prison

In addition to this case, Taiping Prison houses individuals convicted of severe crimes such as matricide caused by drug addiction and grandparents committing sexual offenses against their grandchildren. Sexual offenses reportedly form the largest category of crimes among inmates, raising significant societal and moral concerns.

The Cost of Incarceration

The government reportedly spends RM34.50 per inmate daily, covering six meals a day prepared without salt or sugar. Inmates can earn small wages by working within the prison, enabling them to purchase extras like soy sauce or sugar, providing a semblance of motivation.

Final Meals Before Execution

An unusual fact about death row inmates in Taiping Prison is their choice of last meals. Fried chicken from KFC is noted as the most popular request. The last recorded execution in Taiping Prison took place in 2018.

Historical Significance and Transformation

Established in 1879, Taiping Prison stands as Malaysia’s first modern prison. Over the decades, it has evolved from a conventional detention center to a facility that incorporates rehabilitation programs, classifying inmates based on the severity of their crimes.

This exposé has sparked heated discussions on social media, bringing attention to the rehabilitation system for inmates, particularly those convicted of sexual offenses. As of now, the Malaysian Prisons Department has not issued an official statement regarding specific measures for rehabilitating such offenders.