For the young residents at Henry Gurney School, rehabilitation is intended to open doors rather than close them.

PETALING JAYA: For young offenders at Henry Gurney School, the aim is not simply to serve time but to prepare for what comes next. Education, skills training and rehabilitation are all part of helping them build a different future.

Triyo Kurniawan Kusmadi, director of Henry Gurney School Telok Mas in Melaka, said former residents do not carry a prison record. This matters because such a label could affect their chances of furthering their studies, finding employment, and generally starting afresh.

“That is why I often speak to court magistrates and tell them that young offenders should be sent here," Triyo told FMT. "You cannot even become a Rela volunteer if you have a prison record. But these young people have a future here."