Prison and Drug Rehabilitation Centre Inmates Exercising in Cells
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether inmates in prisons and drug rehabilitation centres are allowed to exercise in their cells and the rationale for existing restrictions. Mr Leon Perera inquired about allowing prescribed workouts, but Minister of State Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim clarified that only stretching is permitted in cells. Vigorous exercise is prohibited to prevent tension and space-related conflicts among cellmates and to maintain discipline by ensuring activities like sparring do not occur. These rules apply to all cells to ensure equal treatment, though inmates generally receive at least one hour of daily recreational time for exercise in yards. This policy balances the health benefits of exercise with the operational need to maintain safety, order, and security within the prison environment.
Transcript
5 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether prison and drug rehabilitation centre inmates are prohibited from exercising in their cells; (b) if so, what is the Singapore Prison Service's (SPS) rationale for the rule; and (c) whether SPS will consider allowing inmates to do prescribed workouts in their cells, given the significant psychological and health benefits of exercise.
The Minister of State for Home Affairs (Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim) (for the Minister for Home Affairs): Inmates in the prison or drug rehabilitation centre, generally, have at least an hour of recreational time per day on weekdays. They can use this recreational time for physical exercise and ball games in the recreational yard, or other activities, such as watching television and playing board games.
In the cells, inmates are allowed to do stretching exercises, but not vigorous exercise. And that is not allowed for the following reasons.
First, to prevent tension and conflict among cellmates. The majority of prison cells are designed to house up to four or eight inmates each, and there is insufficient space for inmates to carry out vigorous exercise without affecting the safety of cellmates, inconveniencing them, or intruding into their personal space. Doing so could lead to conflict among the cellmates. To ensure equal treatment, we do not allow vigorous in-cell exercise even if the cell is occupied by only one inmate.
Second, to maintain good order and discipline in prison. Some inmates may claim to be exercising in their cell when shadow-boxing or sparring, or giving tips and teaching others how to fight and attack opponents. This would pose challenges to maintaining good order and discipline in prison.