JOHOR BARU: When Aliza (not her real name) was sentenced to prison for drug possession, she thought her life was over.
As time dragged on, she continued to fear the worst for her future.
She would be nearly 30 by the time her nine-month sentence ended.
She would leave Kluang Prison with a criminal record.
Then, she received some unexpected news.
She had been selected for the Prisons Department's Corporate Smart Internship Programme, which helps parolees rebuild their lives through employment.
"I broke down in tears when I heard it," she told the New Sunday Times.
"I thought my future was gone. I never imagined I could live a normal life again."
Aliza now works as an operator at Changhuat Plastic Industries Senai Sdn Bhd (CHP). She is one of 18 female parolees employed at the factory in Senai.
For her, the job is more than just a paycheck, it's a lifeline.
"I'm incredibly grateful.
"I have learned new skills, gained discipline and built a sense of responsibility I didn't have before."
Aliza is not the only one benefitting from the internship programme.
Johor Prisons Department director Deputy Commissioner Mohamad Ismail said more than 20 companies in the state had signed up to provide parolees with jobs in various industries, including services and food production.
"This programme is in line with our aim for two out of three parolees to return to society and get permanent jobs," he said, adding that only low-risk convicts with minor offences were selected for the initiative.
"About 3,000 former inmates or parolees are involved in the programme launched in 2016," he said.
Parolees who join the programme are employed by companies and earn a minimum wage of RM1,500.
They are required to report to their district parole officers once a week and undergo regular urine testing as part of the strict conditions of the programme.
"If they violate any of the terms, such as missing work or failing to report as scheduled, they will be re-arrested and returned to prison," Mohamad said.
Companies hiring parolees are not required to bear any recruitment costs, which makes it attractive to business owners seeking affordable labour amid the challenges of recruiting foreign labour.
Inmates serving less than a year in prison can qualify for the programme, while those serving more than three years in jail must first complete half of their sentence.
They are also required to pass several phases of the prison's human development programme, which prepares them for reintegration into society.
Mohamad said the initiative had seen increasing success over the years, and the department expanded partnerships with more recruiting companies eager to participate in the programme.
The programme's success and growing number of participating companies are invaluable to parolees like Shamina (not her real name) in adjusting to life outside of prison.
"I feared rejection, but my colleagues and employer embraced me. Their support has helped me stay focused."
Now, Shamina, a CHP product quality control checker, is determined to prove herself in the role.
"As a former convict, stable employment with benefits does not come easy.
"The opportunity given means the world to me."