THE Muslim inmates at the Jerudong and Maraburung prison had the privilege of celebrating Hari Raya with their families, yesterday.
The celebration is considered an open visit which entitles the inmates to spend time with their families for 45 minutes. Although the mood was a little sombre considering the circumstances the families did their best to enjoy the moment and the 45 minutes spent were filled with tears and laughter as they exchange news.
Inmates were also allowed to shake hands and hug their loved ones those who are parents had the rare chance to hold their children.
The male and female inmates were separated into halls and rooms designated for the special occasion. Special cases inmates were not forgotten and in the spirit of Raya were also allowed visitors in a confined room although such visits were made by appointment only.
Visiting families were also permitted to bring home-cooked meals for their loved ones. However, precautions were made to prevent prohibited items such as cigarettes and other harmful substances from being smuggled into the cells and the food were inspected by prison officials before entering the halls.
Present to mingle with the families and inmates was the Director of the Prison Department, Dato Paduka Hj Ahmad Dullah who showed his support by taking the time to sit and talk to the families as well as the inmates.
The Raya celebration is part of the Prison Department's effective rehabilitation programme which aims to show the inmates that their families still care and to further promote their well-being.
The Raya visits will continue for four consecutive days starting from eight in the morning until four in the afternoon.
This rare opportunity to meet and greet families during the festive season is not an event organised for the Muslim inmates only as the other inmates would also be able to celebrate their own holidays such as Christmas and Chinese New Year.
Last year, members of the diplomatic corps from the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia also visited the foreign inmates to celebrate the festive month together with them.
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