Prison Complex in Seberang Perai, Penang

or Komplek Penjara Seberang Perai, Penang, is a huge prison complex hidden among the rural estates in mainland Penang, as the name suggests, but near its border with Kedah because it is fairly near Selama, Kedah and Selama, Perak.

I have passed the complex a few times on our way from Selama to Penang island, cutting across some small towns and villages. There is no major landmark to describe or relate to, and the best I can describe for its location, is between Kg. Air Putih and Jawi where we join the North-South Expressway. Even when I tried to use the milestone indicators, I found there is no proper continuation after one or two, with disconnected descriptions like Relau _km and then Jawi _km. I refuse to stop the car to take pictures lest I am arrested for spying or something!

Anyway, it is a massive project, either completed or nearing completion, which has yet to be publicized . On the way towards Jawi, the prison is one the left, with all facilities as well as the required modern barbed wires and other security features. On the right, there are nice houses and even a mini stadium on higher ground which are presumed to house the prison wardens and other officials, with the added advantage of overlooking the prison.

Being a federal project, I am wondering if it is meant to serve only the northern region, just like Sungei Buloh serving the central region, replacing Pudu Jail.

Unrelated to this, by the way, Rela in Kedah area is well known for being overzealous in catching illegal immigrants because the locals are competing with the Indonesians for plantation jobs. It is a good sign in terms of 'not being choosy when looking for a job' rather than praising Rela, as they are known more for their high-handedness and lack of accountability in their actions.


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