FORMER prisoner-turned-drug rehabilitation centre president Mohd Yunus Pathi feels that conjugal visits are important for married prisoners serving time, as sex is a basic biological need. "We can't deny that humans need contact. When prisoners are denied this, it can cause severe stress that can result in sexual disorders later," said Yunus who served time for dadah abuse and is the president of Pengasih.

Another former convict who only wanted to be known as Evan said the proposal was good as it could help solve emotional problems among prisoners like depression and stress.

He said physical contact was crucial to prisoners who were locked up.

"It is important, especially for married prisoners, as it can also curb homosexuality in prison, which is a very big problem," he said.

Evan, a software technician with a child, has been behind bars three times for dadah-related offences, with the longest term being four years.

He was freed seven years ago and has never looked back since.

K. Ganesan, who was detained at the Simpang Renggam Detention Centre for four years, said conjugal visits were a positive approach to rehabilitation.

"Without conjugal visits, prisoners don't have physical contact with family members and this contributes to stress," the former gang member said.

He said contact reduced frustration among prisoners, making them more positive and productive.

"With visits, their behaviour can change as the wife can encourage the husband to turn over a new leaf," he said.

Perak Discharged Prisoners Aid Society chairman Tan Sri V. Jeyaratnam said he supported the proposal as conjugal visits would help alleviate stress and mental suffering among prisoners.

He said prisoners often regretted what they had done and longed for time with their family.

"The visits would maintain family ties and help them return to their families on their release," he added.