Ex-Inmate Seeks Fresh Start After Early Release Under Ihsan MADANI Programme

KLUANG, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- A former inmate who previously served her sentence at Kluang Prison has vowed to turn over a new leaf, leaving her past ties with a loan shark syndicate behind immediately upon her release today under the Ihsan MADANI Licensed Release of Prisoners Programme (PBSL).

Chiew (not her real name), 42, said she planned to put the sewing skills she acquired during her imprisonment to good use, aiming to earn a living and start a new chapter in her life.

The mother of four, convicted of mischief by fire, said she had been sentenced to two years in prison but was granted early release for good behaviour.

“I feel truly grateful to be released today, despite being convicted of mischief by fire and involved in 22 cases across several districts like Johor Bahru, Kulai, Pontian, Batu Pahat, Muar, Tangkak and Segamat.

“I don’t want to set foot in prison again. I experienced so much hardship, including giving birth behind bars,” she said when met during the programme today.

She was among 41 inmates - 35 men and six women - granted early release under the PBSL programme, held in conjunction with the 2025 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.

Chiew shared that the hardest part of serving her sentence was being separated from her mother and four children.

Another former prisoner, 57-year-old Azmi (not his real name), expressed his gratitude for being released today after serving an eight-month sentence for stealing a mobile phone.

“I used to do part-time online translation work, but I got caught up with friends who turned to crime to make quick money. I regret it and don’t want to go down that path again,” he said.

--BERNAMA