GEORGE TOWN: Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year will be extra meaningful for Abdul, 45, and Dous, 24.
Both were part of 45 prisoners released under the Licensed Prisoner Release (OBB) programme in conjunction with the festivity.
Abdul, a father of six, has been languishing in prison for six months while Dous, a bachelor, for five months.
He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for a drug offence while Dous, 10 months', for being an account mule.
This is the first time both men have been in prison.
Met at the Penang Remand Prison here, Abdul expressed gratitude for being chosen for the early release programme.
"I can't wait to return to my family, more so with Hari Raya approaching.
"I promise my wife and children that I will not repeat my mistake again. I promise to change for the better for them.
"Being in prison for the past six months has taught me a lot of things. Indeed, it changed me. I am remorseful," he said, thanking the prison wardens and officers for their guidance and assistance throughout.
Abdul, from Butterworth, used to work as a driver and was caught with drugs during a roadblock.
Abdul said he was grateful to his unemployed wife, 43, for having raised their children, aged between seven and 18, alone while he was in prison.
"It is not easy, but she did it steadfastly. For that, I am grateful.
"I also want to thank my family members who have been supportive throughout," he added.
Abdul plans to find a job to support his family after he is fully released in August this year.
As for Dous, from Kuala Lumpur, he said he learned a lot of things while in prison.
"I was able to change for the better and strengthen my religious faith.
"I am having mixed feelings. I am happy and sad at the same time.
"After what happened, I promise to be a better person in future," he said.
Dous said he had been praying for his early release and was happy to be chosen.
"Hari Raya certainly holds a special meaning for me this year," he added.
On hand to receive Abdul was his wife and two children; while Dous, his father.
Meanwhile, Penang Remand Prison director Fayrouz Ahmad Zawawi said, this year alone, a total of 133 prisoners were granted early release from prison.
He said it was their hope that they could start afresh following their release.