KOTA KINABALU – Nurin Ibrahim was relieved when her son Rio was selected to be among the prisoners across the country marked for the government’s Licensed Release programme in conjunction with the upcoming Aidilfitri festival.
The 60-year-old cake seller said that she always believed her son to be a good man.
She said that Rio, 35, had never picked a fight or even stolen from anyone in his life. However, he got involved in substance abuse largely due to the environment they were living in.
He could not escape it.”
Nurin was referring to the Sembulan area where she said Rio was influenced by other boys in the neighbourhood.
“I really hope the police can do something about it,” she added, hoping for her son to get married soon to help him avoid any more trouble.
Rio, who is Nurin’s fourth child, has three brothers and four sisters.
He has been arrested and jailed twice before for drug abuse, and he hopes this time will be his last.
“I hope to make amends to my brothers and sisters when I get home. I don’t want to cause more trouble to my mother,” he said.
“I hope I can run away and work in Kuala Lumpur, far away from the influences of my peers,” he added, blaming friends for getting him involved in drug abuse.
Rio, who works as a warehouse worker clearing stocks from shipping containers, said he was arrested in January this year while on his way home from work in Sembulan.
Lesson learnt: trust carefully
The only woman prisoner to benefit from the release programme, Siti, recalled that she got embroiled in drug abuse because she had trouble growing up when her parents died at 14.
She said that she found comfort in the company of friends who were poor influencers.
From them, she learnt to take drugs at the age of 19.
Once when she was high on substance, her friends fled, leaving her alone after they caught wind of a police raid.
“I know now that I have to be careful when making friends and who I trust. I have many regrets about my choices.
“I should start over and perhaps my first move would be visiting my parents’ graves this Aidilfitri,” said Siti
She added that she is also seeking forgiveness from her nine siblings over the troubles she caused.
I will then find a job and rebuild my life.”
Siti was welcomed by her older sister during her release yesterday.
Rio and Siti were among 16 prisoners who had been cleared for the first nationwide Malaysia Madani Licensed Release Programme announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday.
The Prisons Department said the programme has been effective in dealing with recidivists over the years as the prisoners rebuild their lives within the community under the observation of the department.
According to the department, the country’s recidivism rate among former prisoners is 18%. However, the figure is 0.24% among those who are released early and go through their prison terms living within the community. – The Vibes, April 20, 2023
