A RAYA TO REMEMBER: FATHER GETS TO EMBRACE CHILDREN AGAIN BEHIND BARS

By Razif Rosli

BATU GAJAH,  April 16  (Bernama) --  Nothing brings greater joy to a father—especially one behind bars—than the chance to embrace his children after a long separation.

Such was the emotional experience of Kamarul (not his real name), who was overwhelmed with tears as he reunited with his five children after being apart for over a year due to his imprisonment at the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre.

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Kamarul was among several prospects selected to meet their families under the centre's Aidilfitri Correctional Outreach programme, held in conjunction with the Hari Raya celebration.

Unaware that all his children—currently under the care of the Social Welfare Department (JKM)—would be present, Kamarul rushed forward with visible emotion as his children ran to embrace him.

"The moment was incredibly touching. I was deeply moved by the effort made by the correctional centre in coordinating with JKM to bring my children here. It means the world to me,” he said, adding that the reunion was both heart-wrenching and joyful.

Kamarul said he was sad and happy at the same time - sad because he missed the children so much, and happy because, for the first time since being admitted to the centre a year and five months ago, he finally got to hug them  again

“I was told they were really excited to come and see me, it warms my heart. I have waited so long for this moment—to see and hold my children again. Only God knows how much my heart has missed them,” he said when met by Bernama yesterday.

 Also present was the director of the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre, Assistant Prison Commissioner S. Tanabal.

Kamarul, who is serving a three-year sentence for child neglect, has three sons and two daughters aged between three and 13.

He was allowed to reunite with his children and share a Hari Raya meal during a special programme that lasted over an hour—an experience that allowed him to finally ease the deep longing in his heart.

Expressing his gratitude, he thanked JKM for caring for his children and for making their heartfelt wish to visit him a reality.

"I admit that living behind the Iron Curtain has had a profound impact on me. When I leave this place, my main priority is to raise my children in the best way I can," he said.

He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre.

"I’m truly thankful to the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre for giving me the chance to reunite with my little family. The surprise they prepared touched me deeply—it’s something I’ll cherish forever," he said.

For Intan (not her real name), 23, who is currently serving a sentence for drug trafficking, the longing for the warmth of Eid celebrations with her family in the village remains deeply felt.

“But I consider myself very fortunate to have been selected for this programme and to be able to meet my family—including my father and mother. It has eased some of the longing in my heart,” she said.

Intan expressed a strong desire to turn over a new leaf once she is released.

“I vow never to repeat the mistakes of my past, and I truly hope my family will accept me again. That’s what I want most,” she added.

She is among a few prospects who have memorised some chapters (juzuk) of the Quran through the centre’s rehabilitation programme. Intan also shared her aspiration to pursue further studies in the automotive field.

Meanwhile,  Tanabal, in his speech, emphasised that former inmates must be welcomed back into society without the burden of negative stigma, which often leads to social exclusion after their release.

“It is crucial that these individuals receive support, especially from their families. Here, we carry out the rehabilitation process, but real recovery continues with the love and acceptance from their own homes,” he said.

He added that some former prospects relapse into crime or drug abuse because they are only accepted back by the same social circles that led them astray—while being rejected by their own families.

Tanabal also noted that the programme made history as it marked the first time the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre successfully arranged a family reunion for Kamarul.

"When we received information about Kamarul’s situation, we immediately took the initiative to locate his children, who were under the care of the Social Welfare Department (JKM). We then submitted a request to bring them here to visit their father in conjunction with the Syawal celebration.

“We firmly believe that with proper communication and the rehabilitation programmes implemented at this centre, inmates—whom we call 'prospects'—can truly transform for the better. And most importantly, as I have mentioned before, it all comes down to family support,” he added.

-- BERNAMA