TAPAH: A total of 22 inmates from the Tapah Prison were released through the Licensed Release of Prisoners Programme (PBSL) Ihsan Madani 'A Long-Awaited Return'.
The release, which coincided with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidil Adha celebration, saw five inmates reunited with their families, while the rest were sent to halfway homes.
Perak Prisons Department deputy director Senior Asst Comm Nazri Mohamad said that the PBSL programme gives prisoners who exhibit good behaviour the opportunity to be released earlier.
"To be granted release through this programme, the punishment they serve should be below three years.
“This initiative gives them a second chance to rebuild their lives. For those placed at halfway homes, job placements are arranged through collaborations with private companies across various sectors," Nazri said after the release of the prisoners programme held in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidil Adha at Tapah Prison today..
Also present at the event was the deputy director of Tapah Prison Asst Comm Redzwan Saghil@Yusof.
"We offer certification courses while they are still inside, equipping them for employment once they are out.
"Every time the PBSL programme is held, there are employers ready to offer them jobs. This allows them to earn a living and encourages them to stay on the right path,” said Nazri.
He added that the programme is held nationwide with 555 inmates released in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidil Adha festival..
"In Perak, there are 23 inmates released in total, of which 22 are from the Tapah Prison and one from the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre.
"This is a good chance for inmates to rebuild their lives and relationships with families and relatives," he added.
"I hope that they will not repeat their mistakes. Families and communities today are increasingly open to accepting former inmates, especially when they return with transformed mindsets and new skills,” he said.
Nazri added that with opportunities, support systems and a willingness to change, former inmates can successfully reintegrate with society and rebuild their lives.
A 53-year-old inmate who wants to be known only as Mi said that he is very grateful to be released through the PBSL programme.
"I was caught for a drug offence. However, being in prison has taught me a lot, and we have a lot of religious courses for us to repent.
"I hope to transform my life for the better as I've been given the chance to do so," said the former food hawker.
Another inmate, known as Tanjung, 55, said he prayed hard for his release through PBSL.
"I regret it. It affected my health and my family..This is a golden opportunity, and I want to get a job placement and lead a better life.
"I hope that the younger generation would avoid getting into drug addiction, as it would ruin our lives. Stay away from it," he added.
