For over 30 years, Jahar (not his real name), a 58-year-old construction worker, consumed around 100 methamphetamine pills every month. His addiction began at the age of 25 and only came to an end in November when he was arrested.

"I started getting addicted to drugs when I was 25," Jahar shared during a press interview at the Machang Moral Rehabilitation Centre. He revealed that his drug use escalated to the point where he would take meth daily, sometimes ingesting up to 10 pills at once. Over the years, he would spend as much as RM1,000 on methamphetamine pills every month to fuel his addiction.

According to NST, Jahar's long battle with drugs has come to a halt following his incarceration. Yesterday, he, along with 68 other convicts, was released under the Licensed Prisoner Release programme, which offers selected inmates the opportunity to rejoin society under strict supervision before the end of their sentences.

"I want to change," Jahar expressed, reflecting on his troubled past. "I have tried to quit the habit but failed." His addiction has resulted in five jail terms, all for drug-related offenses. With his final sentence due to end in December, Jahar is determined to turn his life around and restart in Bachok, where he plans to resume his work as a construction worker. His message to young people is clear: "Stay away from drugs. Don't even try it. It will destroy your future."

Meanwhile, Machang Prisons deputy superintendent Mohd Sazeli Mohd Noor explained that the 68 prisoners released under the programme were drug offenders, aged between 21 and 58. Of these, 14 were reunited with their families, 24 were sent to transit homes, and the remainder were placed under the care of employers who provided them with jobs.

Sazeli emphasized that the released convicts must adhere to the conditions set by the Prisons Department until their sentences are fully served, which range from one to ten months. These conditions ensure they stay on track as they reintegrate into society.

Source: NST