POKOK SENA: Det (pseudonym), 42, a former welder turned morphine dealer, learnt the hard way that dealing drugs is never worth it as he had to spend three stints behind bars over the past 19 years.
He today said he had spent more than 15 Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations behind bars, lost his wife to another man, and worst of all, missed out on watching his son and daughter grow up.
He vowed to change his ways and hoped for a reunion with his children.
"I went to prison for the first time in 2005 for dealing morphine.
"Just five months after my 2017 release, I was jailed again for the same offence. By then, my family had cut all ties with me.
"I got out in June 2022, but in August that year, I got caught dealing morphine again.
"Now, in 2024, I think back about all the years I've wasted.
"I am ashamed of myself. I'm going to rebuild my life. Once I feel that I have changed for good, I'll take a chance to see my children again."
Det, who is from Kuala Ketil, was one of 102 inmates at Pokok Sena Prison being released under the licensed prisoner release (OBB) programme in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Det said he used drugs to cope with the demands of his welding job.
"My ex-wife is in her late 30s now, she's found a new man.
"My son is 20 and with a decent job. My daughter is 16 and is doing well in school.
"All the money from dealing drugs couldn't buy me time with them. This time, I've learned my lesson."
Grateful for the rehabilitation programme, Det sees hope for a brighter future.
"The two times I was released before, I got back to dealing drugs because there was no programme.
"I was jobless and the only way to make a living was dealing drugs again. This time, I can get a job at a factory. I want to make things right."
Anis, 36, too regretted her drug-related offenses, having spent six stints behind bars.
Her breaking point came with the loss of a chance to reconcile with her late father.
"My father died while I was in prison, and that really hurt.
"I promised my family that I will never go back to jail again," said Yati, who was grateful for getting a chance to turn her life around.
Pokok Sena Prison director Zakiah Pardi said the department aimed to change public perception of inmates as being beyond hope.
"The reality within these prison walls is not as straightforward as perceived.
"We focus on educating and providing opportunities for behavioural change and skill development."