# Controversy over Malaysian prison conditions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-malaysian-prison-conditions > Updated: 2026-09-21T07:34:57.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. Following his release after legal battles involving drug charges, singer Yasin Sulaiman expressed a commitment to legal compliance and reflected on his time at Kajang Prison. During his reflections, he noted meeting former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, whom he described as a “gentlemanly and caring individual.” Subsequently, Sulaiman made allegations during a podcast appearance regarding the existence of inmate hierarchies based on wealth and influence. He claimed that groups referred to as ‘bos’ and ‘taiko’ exist and alleged that money and influence could facilitate drug smuggling within correctional facilities. The Malaysian Prisons Department has denied these claims. Senior director of prison policy Mohamad Rosidek Musa stated that the allegations are untrue and emphasized that the department follows strict standard operating procedures to address misconduct. He noted that while overcrowding is a challenge, prison conditions remain under control through rehabilitation and reintegration programmes. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-21: Malaysian Prisons Department denies claims of inmate hierarchy The Malaysian Prisons Department denied claims by singer Yasin Sulaiman that prison life is governed by money and influence, asserting that strict SOPs and rehabilitation programmes are in place. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/malaysian-prisons-department-denies-claims-of-inmate-hierarchy ### 2026-09-18: Singer Yasin Sulaiman vows legal compliance after release Singer Yasin Sulaiman vows to obey all laws following his release from legal proceedings and reflects on meeting former Prime Minister Najib Razak while in Kajang Prison. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/singer-yasin-sulaiman-vows-legal-compliance-after-release --- Cite as: Controversy over Malaysian prison conditions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-malaysian-prison-conditions