This story is about Malaysian prison inmates who, remarkably, have produced and sold over 60,000 jars of traditional Raya cookies this year at Kajang Prison Complex.
In a testament to the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, Malaysian prison inmates have produced and sold over 60,000 jars of traditional Raya cookies this year, said the Commissioner-General of Prisons, Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Raza.
The cookies, sold at the My Pride Product Gallery in the Kajang Prison Complex, gained widespread attention after TikTok influencer Tun Laila (@yarafaee) shared a video showcasing the various products available at the gallery.
These include cookies, frozen food, batik clothing, and furniture, all handmade by inmates through the Malaysian Prisons Department’s rehabilitation program. The overwhelming demand for these cookies led to a temporary halt in sales to replenish stock.
The video quickly went viral, racking up over 4.5 million views and inspiring many Malaysians to visit the gallery.
Watch Tun Laila’s video here:
Watch on TikTok
Skill Development Through Culinary Training
Image via Malay Mail/Bernama
Commissioner-General of Prisons Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak told Bernama that as of 21 March, more than 60,000 jars of cookies had been sold.
“Every year, we sell these Raya cookies, but this year’s response has been extraordinary. Congratulations to the prison inmates and institutions nationwide involved in this year’s production,” he said.
More than 300 inmates from prisons across the country participated in making these Raya cookies. The participating facilities included Pokok Sena, Seberang Perai, Tapah, Batu Gajah, Kajang Women’s Prison, Sungai Udang, Kluang, Simpang Renggam, Bentong, and Pengkalan Chepa.
Image via Geng Selamatan Negara/Facebook
Before production began, these prisons submitted over 80 product samples for taste-testing, with 40 varieties of cookies and snacks making the final cut. The selection included pineapple tarts, Swiss tarts, almond chocolates, semperit biscuits, rempeyek, muruku, fried tempeh, and many more.
In addition to Raya cookies, inmates produce items such as asam pedas paste and rendang betawi, which are available at Bentong Prison’s My Pride sales gallery and the Malaysian Prisons Department Cooperative.
Royal Patronage Enhances Product Appeal
Since 2018, Queen Consort Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah has shared recipes for 12 types of cookies with female inmates at Bentong Prison, including Mazola biscuits, Arabic biscuits, and Scottish shortbread.
Her Majesty’s involvement has significantly boosted the appeal of inmate-produced goods. Bentong Prison Superintendent Mohd Zulkifli Zakaria noted that the cookies, which are also certified halal by JAKIM, are in high demand due to their quality and royal association.
Diverse Product Range and Community Support
Image via Malay Mail/Bernama
The success of these initiatives highlights the potential for rehabilitation programs to not only impart valuable culinary skills but also instill a sense of purpose and community among the inmates.
The Prisons Department aims to expand these programs, targeting RM2.2 million in sales of Raya cookies this year.
Proceeds from these sales will go towards the Inmates Welfare and Rehabilitation Trust Fund, and to support the procurement of raw materials, facility upgrades, TVET skill training, and other activities.
By purchasing these products, you too can contribute to the inmates’ journey toward self-improvement and societal reintegration.
Here’s where you can find the My Pride Product Gallery:
Address:
Galeri Jualan Produk My Pride, Seksyen Vokasional & Industri, Bahagian Pengurusan Banduan, Ibu Pejabat Penjara Malaysia, Bukit Wira, Kajang, Malaysia 43000
Opening hours:
9am to 4.30pm (Daily)
