Self-Perceived Employability and Readiness for Reentry into Society

Insights from Prerelease Inmates in Sarawak, Malaysia

Bibliographic Data

ID21373153
AuthorsN K Tharshini (0000-0002-6680-2212, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Malaysia, corresponding author), Faizah Hj Mas’ud (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Malaysia), Kamsiah Ali (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Malaysia), Wong Swee Kiong (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Malaysia)
Year2025
Volume105
Issue3
Pages288-304
Publication date2025-06-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Prison Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0032-8855 • E-ISSN: 1552-7522
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00328855251328867
OpenAlexW4409166116
LanguageEN
References cited39

Reentry involves a multifaceted reintegration process following incarceration, requiring social, psychological, and economic adjustments. This study examined the relationship between self-perceived employability and readiness for reentry among 384 prerelease inmates in six Sarawak prisons in Malaysia. Most participants were Malay males aged 25–29 years, with upper secondary education and multiple convictions, primarily for drug-related offences. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between self-perceived employability and reentry readiness. These findings highlight the role of employability in successful reintegration and provide policymakers with place-based evidence to design tailored interventions aligned with Malaysia's commitment to sustainable development goal 16

Criminology · Employability · Pedagogy · Prison · Reentry · Sociology · Education and Islamic Studies · Employment and Welfare Studies · Higher Education and Employability · Psychology

Tools

Open DOI