FROM CRIME TO GUIDANCE: REINTEGRATION CENTRE INMATE REBUILDS LIFE, MENTORS OTHERS

KLUANG, March 29 (Bernama) -- Once trapped in drug abuse and driven to commit various crimes such as theft and snatching, a 37-year-old man has now turned his life around and is helping instill discipline in others.

Wishing to be known only as Eddie, he said his past was marked by repeated law-breaking to fund his addiction. However, everything changed after he underwent rehabilitation under the supervision of the Malaysian Prisons Department.

After serving several years at Kluang Prison and later being placed at the Kluang Inmate Reintegration Centre (PRP), Eddie not only left his past behind but was entrusted with helping staff guide other inmates towards greater discipline.

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“I was given the role of ‘Penghulu’ (headman) for the inmates here, tasked with ensuring they follow the law and rules of the PRP.

“This role has helped shape me into someone who respects the law and reflects on my past mistakes, including the crimes I once committed,” he told Bernama recently.

Eddie explained that discipline is the cornerstone at Kluang PRP, where every inmate must adhere to a strict daily schedule and participate in various skills-based activities to prepare for reintegration into society.

“Here, we learn new skills in agriculture, livestock, landscaping, fisheries, electrical maintenance and cooking. Every inmate, including myself, must follow the schedule diligently,” said Eddie, who is set to be released in 13 months.

He strongly feels that the second chance he has received is not just about making amends for past mistakes but also a turning point to build a meaningful, new life once he returns to the community.

Another inmate, 54-year-old Malik, reflected on his past mistake of embezzling from his former employer nine years ago as a valuable life lesson.

He said abiding by the law has become central to developing honesty, responsibility and discipline, aligning with the rehabilitation process.

“Before my release, I was assigned to the administrative office to manage documents, which taught me to complete tasks with greater integrity and accountability,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kluang PRP administrative officer, assistant prison superintendent Syarifuddin Kasimin, said the centre’s programmes are conducted through the Inmate Industrial Reintegration Program (PRPI), providing inmates with early exposure to the working world.

“At PRP Kluang, inmates receive hands-on guidance from our staff in administrative tasks, cooking, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, all under careful supervision.

“The programme also involves various external partners, such as the Department of Agriculture, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia,” he said.

He added that this integrated approach not only imparts practical skills but also helps build inmates’ character, preparing them to re-enter society as productive and disciplined individuals.

-- BERNAMA