Advertisement
OpinionLetters

Inmates of Hong Kong prisons get a daily balanced diet

2-MIN READ2-MIN
Inmates at the print factory of Stanley Prison. Photo: Xiaomei Chen
Letters
I refer to the article (“Life behind bars”, March 11), depicting some correctional institutions managed by the Correctional Services Department and selected treatments provided to people in custody.

I would like to explain to readers the job of the department and provide supplementary information.

The ratio of staff to people in custody of individual institutions is basically not a management parameter, and varies in accordance with the actual operational situations.

Advertisement

All people in custody are assigned to correctional facilities with due regard to various factors including, for example, classification, categorisation, offence committed, security, and so on, and not just their period of detention. All are regularly provided with basic necessities, including a toilet roll, and may ask for replenishment whenever needed.

They are provided with a balanced diet every day and will under no circumstances be provided with plain rice and vegetables only. Meals are based on a bi-weekly menu, instead of being repeated every three days.

Advertisement

The earnings of people in custody range from HK$23 to
HK$192 per week, depending on the level of skills required for their assigned work. Those assigned to book lamination work will not be rewarded the minimum rate in general.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x