Aidiladha brings longing to former Iron Curtain residents
By Fatin Hanani Sahimi
KAJANG: "I just want to hug my children," said Mila, 33 years old (not her real name), a single mother who was among the 44 Licensed Free People (OBB) selected in the Ihsan MADANI Prisoner Release on License (PBSL) Program: The Long-awaited Return in conjunction with Aidiladha at Kajang Prison, today.
Mila, who is from Kajang, was serving a seven-month prison sentence for a minor offence and did not expect to be given the opportunity to be released early to be reunited with her children.
"I am a single mother with three children. I was scheduled to be released in September, but last Friday I was told I could go home early. The feeling is hard to describe, just prostrated in gratitude to Allah," she said tearfully when met here.
Kajang Prison Director, Deputy Prison Commissioner Mohd Sharin Sabtu said that 44 OBBs were allowed to undergo licensed release today, involving 39 OBBs from Kajang Prison and five from Kajang Women's Prison.
Of that number, 16 people were welcomed by their families, while another 16 were placed under the care of employers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that provided employment opportunities.
"Five more were channeled to halfway houses and two more were under the care of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for men's prisons. As for women's prisons, one was welcomed by family, three were placed under employers and one was under an NGO."
"PBSL provides a second chance to prospects undergoing a gradual recovery process in the community. They can celebrate Aidiladha with their families regardless of religion and race," he said.
For another OBB family member, Noreen, 31, this opportunity is greatly appreciated after months of being separated from her loved ones.
"We are very grateful. The children have waited a long time, and with the arrival of the new baby, this is an opportunity for us to get back together because my husband was supposed to serve a two-year sentence for breach of trust, but got a reduction due to good behavior," she said.
Meanwhile, employer representative and restaurant operator, Mr. Swaifulddin Mr. Mustapa, 34, who has employed about 30 OBBs since June last year, said the program helped him fill local workforce vacancies.
"They are citizens, so things are easier. Many are punctual, hardworking and reliable. In fact, I put them at the front of the restaurant as receptionists," he said.
According to him, society needs to remove the stigma against former prisoners because many of them actually have skills and work experience that can be utilized.
Mohd Sharin said that as of May, a total of 687 prospects from Kajang Prison and 62 from Kajang Women's Prison had received licensed release through PBSL.
Source : Aidiladha-the-connector-of-longing-for-former-prison-inmates
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