TLDR
- The colour of prison detainees’ uniforms indicates their status and the length of their sentence, for example, purple is worn by remand detainees, while orange is for those still under investigation.
- Red and green uniforms signify detainees serving longer prison terms, while blue is for those sentenced to more than 18 months or life imprisonment.
- Other colours, such as light green, indicate detainees who are nearing release, while white with red is worn by death row inmates.
If you’ve ever watched the news featuring police detainees, you might have noticed that they are often dressed in uniforms of specific colours. It may be something many people don’t think twice about, but there is actually a system behind it. These colours are more than just clothing, they serve a specific purpose.
Here’s what each colour of the prison uniform means:
1. Purple
Image Credit: Metro TV
Detainees who wear purple prison uniforms are usually individuals held on remand and awaiting court proceedings.
As long as their sentences have yet to be decided, these individuals will continue wearing this colour unless they are granted bail.
2. Orange
Image Credit: The Star
Individuals in orange prison uniforms are commonly those who are still under investigation and have not been convicted.
In certain cases, orange uniforms are also used to distinguish Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) detainees from others.
3. White
Image Credit: Astro Awani
White uniforms are worn by prisoners who have been sentenced to less than six months in jail, often for less serious offences.
4. Red
Image Credit: USIM
This uniform colour is worn by prisoners who have been sentenced to longer jail terms. It is typically worn during the early phase of imprisonment.
5. Green
Image Credit: Utusan
Inmates who initially wear red uniforms will transition to green after three months of incarceration. They will continue wearing this colour until the 18th month of their sentence.
Prisoners in green uniforms are also required to attend the second stage of PPI courses, which include programmes such as religious studies and group therapy.
6. Blue
Image Credit: MalaysianGazette
Blue prison uniforms indicate that the individual has been sentenced to more than 18 months or to life imprisonment. These detainees may also participate in work programmes within prison facilities once they have completed their PPI courses.
7. Light Green / Fluorescent Green
Image Credit: The Hybe
This uniform indicates that prisoners are nearing release. Some may be selected to work outside the prison under the supervision of Malaysian Prison Department officials.
8. White & Red
Image Credit: Astro Awani
White uniforms with red collars and sleeves indicate that the prisoners are on death row. These detainees may also be awaiting the outcome of an appeal or a pardon from the head of state, or have had their sentence commuted to life imprisonment.
Featured Image Credit: Berita Harian, Buletin TV3