Prisoners Given Second Chance Under Ihsan Madani's Pbsl

MELAKA, April 19 (Bernama) -- A 48-year-old mother travelled from Selangor to Melaka on a bus to meet her daughter who has been incarcerated in the Sungai Udang Prison and welcome her back to freedom today.

Azah said as soon as she was told that her daughter, Nurul, has been granted an early release under the Ihsan Madani Prisoners' Release on Licence programme (Awaited Return) (PBSL), she went out to buy a bus ticket to Melaka.

Her 30-year-old daughter was imprisoned for drug-related offences in February.

"We were not supposed to celebrate Hari Raya and fast together, but Alhamdulillah, we are thankful as she (Nurul) was released earlier than the scheduled date, which is on May 12.

"When I got a call from the prison last month, I couldn't believe it and was overwhelmed with feelings of sadness, joy and gratitude...that's why today, no matter what, I wanted to show up to pick her up myself," she told reporters when met at the prison today.

The reunited mother and daughter were seen hugging and crying with joy as soon as Nurul stepped out of the main gate of Sungai Udang Prison at about 12.28 pm.

Nurul, who is a single mother, said the early release was a Ramadan gift as she can now fast and celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with her family, including her two children aged 12 and 14.

"As soon as I was told that I would be released early, I promised that I would not turn back and to be a better person for myself, my mother and my children," she added.

Meanwhile, Abdul, 25, from Simpang Ampat, Alor Gajah here said he was there to pick up his father, Azlan, 55, who was arrested for drug-related offences on Feb 2, adding that they are happy that their father can celebrate Aidilfitri with the family.

“…we have also bought his baju Melayu. We hope Father can change and will not go back to prison and stay away from drugs," he said.

Azlan said he was eager to go home to meet his new grandson who was born while he was in prison, adding that he is thankful that his family does not abandon him despite his mistakes.

In KUANTAN, PAHANG, Idah, 75, said she was grateful that her constant prayers that her son Kit, 44, who was put behind bars for committing drug offences, could celebrate Aidilfitri together this week, were answered.

"Whatever it is, he is my son, I have to accept it... of course I am angry, but who will accept him if not his own family? I used to visit him every week," she told reporters when met at Penor Prison here.

Kit was one of the 40 prisoners in Pahang who were released today under the PBSL initiative after being sentenced to six months in prison.

"I didn't think I would be able to get out early, it should be a week after Raya, but I am grateful for going to prison because I learnt many things here...Allah still loves me and gave me a chance," he said.

As for Saiful, 31, who hails from Marang, Terengganu, he said life in prison has taught him to improve, adding that he is thankful for the chance to be released two weeks earlier than the actual release date.

The former security guard was sentenced to eight months in prison for possessing ketum water and is now determined to take better care of his two sons who are 10 and 12 years old.

In MACHANG, KELANTAN, Mah, 42 received the good news that her husband, Uji, 42, will be celebrating Aidilfitri with the family yesterday from the Machang Correctional Centre.

According to Mah, her lorry driver husband was arrested for drug possession and sentenced to prison in October last year when she was pregnant with their fourth child.

Meanwhile, Uji said he was deeply thankful for being included in the PBSL initiative which allows him to return to his loved ones and celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with them.

He said he wanted to improve his weaknesses and be a more responsible husband and father.

-- BERNAMA