Touching moment: Kamarul reuniting with his five children at the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre’s Hari Raya celebration after more than a year of being separated as he serves his sentence. — Bernama
Jailed father gets to embrace his five kids after 17 months’ separation
BATU GAJAH: Nothing brings greater joy to a father – especially one behind bars – than the chance to embrace his children after a long separation.
Such was the emotional experience of Kamarul (not his real name), who was overwhelmed with tears as he reunited with his five children after being apart for 17 months due to his imprisonment at the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre in Perak.
Kamarul was among several prospects selected to meet their families under the centre’s Aidilfitri Correctional Outreach programme, held in conjunction with the Hari Raya celebration.
Unaware that all his children – currently under the care of the Social Welfare Department (JKM) – would be present, Kamarul was visibly touched as they ran to embrace him.
“I was deeply moved by the effort made by the correctional centre in coordinating with JKM to bring my children here. It means the world to me,” he said, adding that the reunion was both heart-wrenching and joyful.
Kamarul said he was sad because he missed his children so much, and happy because he finally got to hug them again.
“I have waited so long for this moment – to see and hold my children again. Only God knows how much I missed them,” he said when met by Bernama on Tuesday.
Also present was the director of the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre, Assistant Prison Commissioner S. Tanabal.
Kamarul, who is serving a three-year sentence for child neglect, has three sons and two daughters aged from three to 13.
“When I leave this place, my main priority is to raise my children the best way I can,” he said as he expressed his appreciation to the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre.
For Intan (not her real name), 23, who is currently serving a sentence for drug trafficking, the longing for the warmth of Eid celebrations with her family in the village remains deeply felt.
“But I consider myself very fortunate to have been selected for this programme and to meet my family – including my father and mother. It has eased some of the longing in my heart.
“I vow never to repeat the mistakes of my past, and I truly hope my family will accept me again. That’s what I want most,” she added.
Meanwhile, Tanabal, in his speech, emphasised that former inmates must be welcomed back into society without the burden of negative stigma, which often leads to social exclusion after their release.
“It is crucial that these individuals receive support, especially from their families. Here, we carry out the rehabilitation process, but real recovery continues with the love and acceptance from their own homes,” he said.
Tanabal added that some former prospects relapse into crime or drug abuse because they are only accepted back by the same social circles that led them astray – while being rejected by their own families.
He also noted that the programme made history as it marked the first time the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre successfully arranged a family reunion for Kamarul.
“We firmly believe that with proper communication and the rehabilitation programmes, inmates, whom we call ‘prospects’, can truly transform for the better.
“And most importantly, it all comes down to family support,” he added.
