Kluang: Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations this year have a special significance for an inmate under supervision (ODS) at the Kluang Inmate Reintegration Centre (PRP) as he was able to give duit raya to his mother for the first time since his imprisonment.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the inmate, known as Shah, 38, joined the Inmate Industrial Reintegration Programme (PRPI) seven months ago and has been working at a courier service company in Yong Peng, Batu Pahat. This opportunity has allowed him to earn his own income and share some of it with his mother, marking a significant moment in his life.

Shah was imprisoned in 2024 for drug abuse and expressed deep regret over his past actions. He is committed to not repeating his mistakes and hopes to continue working at the company after his release. He shared his desire to earn his own salary and consistently give duit raya to his mother, acknowledging the financial strain his past actions had put on her.

Known as Along among fellow inmates, Shah is expected to be released in 16 months. He praised the PRPI for its role in helping inmates adjust to society and expressed gratitude for the acceptance he received from his colleagues despite being an ODS.

PRP Kluang Administrative Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Syarifuddin Kasimin, oversees 480 ODS, with 200 involved in PRPI. He highlighted that participants are selected based on discipline and undergo a one-month observation period before they can work outside under supervision.

In Johor, five industry partners, including J and T in Yong Peng and Claytan Sdn Bhd in Ayer Hitam, participate in the program. The initiative not only provides work exposure but also helps inmates build savings for life after release. Additionally, ODS at PRP Kluang receive training in various skills, such as agriculture, culinary arts, and technical trades.