TUTONG

THE Maraburong Prison in Tutong will be expanded in a $15.54 million project that can accommodate an additional 280 male prisoners.

The third phase of the project is slated for completion in August 2016.

The project includes the construction of a prison complex comprising an administration block, surau, kitchen and workshop as well as prison blocks.

Laying the foundation at the construction site was Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Awg Halbi Hj Mohd Yussof.

On the sidelines of the ceremony yesterday, Head of Prison Officers Kwa Kian Sian told The Brunei Times that the expansion was necessary to ensure full security at the Maraburong prison.

He said the existing prison complex is currently able to hold a “comfortable” amount of 100 prisoners and 200 was the maximum amount of prisoners it can hold.

“Although the Maraburong prison currently holds around 200 to 300 prisoners, the surveillance and facilitation works is still under control, and it will certainly allow maximum security to be implemented at the prison,” he said.

Kwa also explained that both the existing and proposed prison complexes house male prisoners only, while female prisoners are currently held at the Jerudong Prison, which can accommodate about 100 prisoners.

He added that after the project’s third phase is completed, the Prisons Department plans to build another complex for female prisoners as well as a building that will serve as its headquarters and housing for officers.

Once the female prison complex has been completed, Kwa said the Jerudong Prison may be used to detain suspects or for remands.

The Brunei Times