RAYA JOY FOR MUSLIM CONVICTS

They get to meet their families

MUSLIM inmates at Penor Prison here were overjoyed yesterday when they were allowed to speak with family members during a two-day special Hari Raya Aidilfitri meeting.

They were separated by a glass partition as they spoke with loved ones for 15 to 20 minutes. Some visitors were in tears as they came out.

The father of one of the prisoners, who wanted to be known only as Mat, said he was glad to see his son even though it was a short meeting.

“It was weird to be separated by the glass partition but we are grateful for the opportunity,” he said.

My family always prays for my son and hope he will come out a better person.

“It is good that the prison tries to create a Hari Raya atmosphere and allows the inmates something to look forward to during the festive season,” he said, adding that his son was facing drug charges.

The wife of another inmate, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was from Terengganu and was delighted to have the opportunity to meet her husband, who was serving a jail sentence for drug offences.

“It was an emotional moment, especially meeting him during Hari Raya.

“I bought Raya cookies provided by the Prisons Department and gave them to him...

“They may not be as tasty as the ones I make at home but at least he has some Raya cookies to eat,” she said.

She praised the Prisons Department for having the programme and said they should be also held during Fathers Day or Mothers Day.

Penor Prison Deputy Superintendent Sabri Mat Saad said: “Family members are often the pillar of strength for the inmates and their visits during these special occasions uplift the spirits of inmates.

“We plan to organise a face-toface meeting between selected inmates and their families next month.

“They will sit with their families to enjoy meals.”