Home for Deepavali, hopeful for what comes next

For one father, the hardest part of prison was not simply being confined – it was being away from his family, especially his five children, while the days towards Deepavali seemed to move slowly.

The 47-year-old, who wishes to be known as Azroy, had been serving a six-month sentence for drug-related offences. At times, he said, the separation became so overwhelming, he would cry alone while counting down the days until he could return home.

That return came sooner than expected: he was among 96 individuals freed from Kluang Prison by the prisons department’s licence-based release programme – a community-based rehabilitation initiative – after passing the required assessments and screening.

His release came two months ahead of schedule – just days before Deepavali.

“I am so grateful to have been released in time for Deepavali this year,” he told Bernama. “I cannot wait to celebrate with my family, especially my five children, and become a better person.”

For Suba, 42, the news was equally unexpected. She had spent nine months behind bars after being detained for stealing money from a shop, and had expected to remain there until the end of December.

Instead, she learnt she would be going home in time for a celebration she had never before spent away from her family.

“I am so happy that I can celebrate Deepavali with my children, as I have never celebrated it without them. Otherwise, I would have had to spend it in prison,” she said.

Suba said she regretted the actions that led to her imprisonment, while Azroy described his time served as a lesson he does not want to repeat.

Johor prisons deputy director Walace Nawon said the 96 people released from Kluang Prison comprised 92 men and four women, all of whom had displayed good behaviour and passed several screening processes.

For individuals like Azroy and Suba, being released does not erase what came before; yet, it offers both a chance to begin again.

Both are back with their families, carrying the hope that the festival’s promise of light after darkness can mark the start of something better.

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