Prisoner pins hopes on SPM results.

SATURDAY, OCT 17, 2015. 

By Olivia Miwil
Pictures by Mohd Adam Arinin

KOTA KINABALU: The upcoming Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia is an opportunity for a 20-year-old former drug dealer now at the central prison here to turn over a new leaf.

Apil (not his real name), from Beaufort, said the results for the examination would help apply for automotive studies after his release next year.

“I quit school when I was 15 as my father, who does odd job, could not afford to pay for my schooling expenses.

“Before I partnered with a cousin to sell drugs here, I was working at a shipping company in Labuan,” said the second of three siblings, adding earning more money to support his family was his main concern at the time.

Apil is one of 11 inmates who will be sitting for the examination next month.The Integrity School within the prison provides chance for him to focus in his studies.

Out of seven examination papers, he aims As in Bahasa Malaysia, History and Commerce subjects.  

Although his family members could not come for the blessing ceremony here yesterday, he believed they would support his efforts.

Earlier, central prison director Rosman Norman said the annual blessing ceremony was held to give a chance for family members to encourage the students before they sat for exam.

“The institution provides education and skill for the people here to apply in their lives (when they leave the prison).

“We hope the students get a new beginning when they are freed,” he said. 

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