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For many, the rhythm of Hari Raya is defined by the familiar comfort of family and food. For one man at the Kluang Reintegration Centre (PRP), however, this year was about a RM1,000 gesture and a long-overdue apology.
Shah, 38, shared his story during the centre's Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations on 25 March.
After years of taking money from his mother to fund a drug habit, he finally handed a stack of his own hard-earned back to her.
He saved the money through the Inmate Reintegration Industry Programme (PRPI).
For the past seven months, Shah worked at a courier service in Yong Peng, Johor, while serving the remainder of his sentence
"I was sent to prison in 2024 for drug abuse, and I deeply regret it," Shah told Bernama.
He added that he does not want to waste any more time and hopes to continue working there after his release.
Shah, known as Along to his peers, is expected to be released in 16 months
The eldest of nine siblings noted that the programme provides a vital link between prison life and the outside world.
Kluang PRP administrative officer Syarifuddin Kasimin said 200 of the 480 supervised persons are currently involved in industrial work.
Syarifuddin noted that the selection process is rigorous, requiring high discipline and one month of observation.
