Criminal Justice System

In Malaysia there is a famous prison called Penjara Taiping. This prison was the largest prison in the Taiping area in the late 1800’s. The prison was ran by the criminal justice system in 1879.  In 1881 prisoners were taught a career so that they could be functional members of society. The prisoners were taught how to make cube rattan furniture as well as masonry, carpentry and sewing. Rattan furniture is very popular because it can be made cheaply. Rattan is very easy to come by in Malaysia and nearby islands. Rattan grows in tropical forests and can be harvested much easier than wood.
Rattan is a type of vine that is similar to wood in strength and resemblance. Rattan can be bent into different shapes without breaking or splintering.  It can be stained or painted just as wood can be. Cube rattan furniture is popular as tables, chairs or containers such as square baskets. Rattan is also known as wicker. Wicker is what is left behind when the fleshy outside of rattan is stripped down. Rattan is cleaned, dried and treated with chemicals to get it ready for whatever item it will be turned into.

Some types of rattan produce a red resin that is called dragon’s blood. The resin could be used to dye items red, made into incense or sold in a ball version for various medical reasons. It is thought that dragon’s blood can be used to cure things such as eczema or ulcers. Cube rattan furniture remains a popular item all over the world. Most furniture stores sell rattan or wicker furniture as outdoor furniture.Rattan can be found in any color that a consumer could want. By harvesting rattan, many places are saving their forests from being cut down. Rattan grows quickly and cutting it down will not bring harm to the rain forests it grows within.