Issues and Challenges in The Implementation of Rehabilitation Programs for Shariah Offenders: A Study in The Malaysian Prison Department

The Malaysian Prison Department (JPM) is part of the institutions under the criminal justice system, playing a role in enforcing punishments and executing court orders, both civil and Sharia, on criminal offenders until their release. JPM is not only a place to punish those who commit offenses but is more inclined towards being a correctional institution responsible for rehabilitating, guiding, and educating offenders to become disciplined and responsible individuals upon their release. The implementation of rehabilitation for both civil and Sharia offenders in the Malaysian Prison Department aims to restore offenders to a positive mindset and instill moral values, allowing them to reintegrate into society as normal individuals upon release. However, the implementation of prison sentences for Sharia offenders often sparks controversy and debate among various parties regarding the extent to which the rehabilitation goals can be achieved through such imprisonment. Therefore, this qualitative research aims to analyze the issues and challenges hindering the implementation of existing rehabilitation programs in the Malaysian Prison Department for Sharia offenders sentenced to imprisonment. The research findings indicate that Sharia crime offenders are religious offenders, and suitable rehabilitation programs need to be developed.