GEORGE TOWN: The taste of muruku has brought a little festive cheer to inmates at Penang Prison.
“I miss celebrating Deepavali with my family but receiving these goodies makes the festive spirit alive – even inside prison,” said one of the recipients who only wished to be known as Rajan.
“It reminds us that people outside have not forgotten us.”
The Deepavali goodies were contributed by members of a Hindu organisation.
Rajan, 35, is serving the final three months of a five-year jail term after being convicted of a drug-related offence.
He said he had been on good behaviour since then.
“I have repented. Since early this year, I have been allowed to work outside the prison under its rehabilitation programme.
“I hope to find a job and rebuild my relationship with my family when I leave prison,” he said in an interview during an event at Penang Prison on Wednesday.
Fellow inmate, Lim, 42, said the Deepavali goodies offered a welcome break from the daily routine behind bars.
“The muruku reminds me of the food and traditions I grew up with.
“It may be a small treat but it makes the occasion feel different from any other ordinary day,” he said.
Life in prison, he said, can be monotonous.
“So having something special during a festival gives us a reason to look forward to the day,” he added.
Penang Prison director Zool Fadli Ismail received the donation from Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram Penang branch chairman Thanabalan Nanda Kumar.
Thanabalan said members of the association and the Penang Omsakti Devotees Association made the biscuits several days earlier.
He said the groups donated 1,600 packs of muruku to inmates at Penang Prison and that they planned to give about 2,000 more to inmates at Jawi Prison.
“This annual initiative has been held for 23 years with the aim of bringing joy to inmates celebrating Deepavali, regardless of their backgrounds.
“The muruku is made by our members. We spent about 10 hours preparing some 4,000 goodie bags,” he said.
