KUCHING: Inmates released on licence under the Ihsan Madani Licensed Prisoner Release Programme in conjunction with Aidilfitri are eagerly anticipating reuniting with their families for the festive occasion.
Lila (not her real name), who had served 13 months at Puncak Borneo Prison here, said she was grateful to be released early for the celebration.
"I'm deeply moved that I can celebrate Raya with my family outside prison," she said during her release on Monday (March 24).
Another inmate also expressed gratitude at being released under the programme and given a job with an employer.
"I'm thankful to be able to meet my family and celebrate Raya together. I'm also glad to be employed upon my release.
Mimi, who was jailed for a drug offence, added that she hoped to change after this and not be influenced by others.
Abdul (not his real name), who was sentenced to 10 months for a drug offence, said he was grateful to be granted an early release after serving four months.
"It's what I was hoping and praying for. I'm also thankful to be given a job at a cafe.
"I plan to prepare myself for the future and to do better after this," he said, adding that he looked forward to celebrating Raya outside prison.
On Monday, 80 inmates were released in Sarawak under the programme, including 25 from Puncak Borneo Prison, 15 from Sri Aman Central Prison, 18 from Sibu Central Prison, two from Bintulu Correctional Centre, 14 from Miri Central Prison and six from Limbang Prison.
Sarawak Prisons director Teyun Thian Eim said those selected for the programme had been given a second chance to turn over a new leaf.
"Take this opportunity to change so that you won't come back in," he said when witnessing the release at Puncak Borneo Prison.
He added that inmates eligible for the programme were those who had received sentences of three years or less and had served one-third of the sentence.
