A CONDITIONAL early release from Tapah Prison has given a 36-year-old drug offender the ultimate second chance to turn his life around.
Freed under the “Madani Yakin Licensed Prisoner Release” initiative, Angah said he deeply regretted his past actions and he is now focused on supporting his father’s eatery business.
“I feel that I’ve disappointed my parents and truly regret my actions.
“I have apologised to them and I’m fortunate and happy that my family has accepted me,” he told reporters during the release ceremony at the Tapah Prison in Perak.
“I was influenced by my friends back then and got involved with drugs.
“I will use this opportunity to do better, as I want to be a responsible person for my parents,” he said in between sobs.
The initiative is a programme by the Prisons Department that allows low-risk, reformed inmates to benefit from an early release under strict conditions and continuous monitoring, while serving the remainder of their sentences within the community.
Those eligible must be serving a prison sentence of three years or less, demonstrate excellent character and actively engage in rehabilitation programmes.
Angah also said he missed his 10-year-old daughter dearly and would like to meet her.
“She doesn’t know that I was in prison.
“Maybe my ex-wife told her not to ask my parents and that I was only busy working.”
Angah, who was ordered to serve 15 months for his offence, said he had spent three months in prison.
“I am moved and happy to be chosen for the initiative and to be able to go back to my family,” he added.
Another inmate, who only wanted to be known as Hanum, said she was glad to be matched with a job in Manjung.
“I used to work as a welder, but I want to try working in a restaurant.
“I will change to become a better person,” said the 25-year-old who was convicted and sentenced to 14 months’ jail for dishonestly concealing stolen property.
Hanum, from Seberang Perak, said she regretted being influenced by her friends and not listening to her mother.
“I have missed my mother very much. It’s been a long time that I have not seen, hugged and spoken to her.
“I will apologise to my mother once I get the chance to meet her after doing my time,” she said, explaining that she was not allowed to travel to another district until she completed the remainder of her sentence.
Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons (Rehabilitation) Hafidz Othman said 795 prison inmates nationwide had been allowed early release under the initiative in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha as well as the Kaamatan and Gawai festivals.
Hafidz said serving time in prison did not mean one’s life was over, as it was part of a learning curve.
“Yesterday’s mistakes are in the past and one needs to look forward to doing better in the future,” he said, adding that those who had been released should be determined not to return to prison.
“Prove to the community that you have matured and are capable of taking responsibility to serve the community.
“Use all the skills learned in prison to look after your family,” Hafidz advised the early- release inmates.
