Hopeful: Adolescents attending classes at the Puncak Alam Correctional Centre. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a major celebration for Muslims, especially the younger ones, who look forward to wearing new clothes and enjoying good food with their loved ones.
But there will be some youths who must face the festival behind iron bars in sorrow and regret, shedding tears for past mistakes.
While we revel in laughter and delight in the array of special dishes prepared by our mothers’ loving hands, young offenders can only partake in the meals provided by the Puncak Alam Correctional Centre in Kuala Selangor.
There are no new clothes or Raya photos, or even the chance to kiss the hands of their beloved parents and grandparents – a price they are paying for committing crime.
“This is the fourth year I haven’t celebrated Hari Raya with my mother. No enjoying mee curry with meehoon or kuey teow; no mother’s cooking. If only I could taste her dishes again,” said a teary-eyed Lan, 19, to Bernama.
“If I get to see my mother, I would like to seek her forgiveness. I made a mistake by not listening to her advice. If I had, this would not have happened,” he added.
The teenager bitterly regrets putting his trust in his friends and failing to consider all options, which led to the rapid ruin of his life.
The youngest of six siblings faces a murder charge under Section 302 of the Penal Code for an acid attack on a man several years ago.
Now he awaits the court’s verdict, pondering whether he will be found guilty or set free.
Boboy, 21, who is facing charges under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code for raping an underaged girl, does not remember the last time he celebrated Aidilfitri with his family.
“I don’t have any memories of Hari Raya with my family. The only memories are when I was studying at tahfiz in Kuala Kangsar. My family never came to visit.
“I long to experience celebrating Hari Raya with my family. I don’t know when I’ll get the chance. After my arrest, I lost contact with my grandmother and younger sister,” he said, adding that his mother passed away when he was just seven years old.
Boboy reflected on his upbringing in a family entangled in drug-related issues, where loved ones were frequently in and out of prison.
Meanwhile, the youngest resident at the centre, 15-year-old Angah, noted that this is his first Aidilfitri within the facility.
“I feel lost; it’s my first time away from my family. I won’t be able to help my father with making lemang,” he said, having been confined to the centre a month ago for attempting to break into a luxury home with his 13-year-old brother.
He explained that financial struggles and frequent food shortages forced him to take such actions.
Another young offender, Adam, 21, shared that the consequences of choosing the wrong company led him to serve a five-year prison sentence for robbery, causing him to miss three Hari Raya Aidilfitri with his beloved mother.
“I deeply regret my actions; I never listened to my mother. If I could meet her, I would apologise for not setting a good example for my siblings,” added Adam.
