trip to the prison

On Tuesday, 25 April 2011, I was given a task to go to the Sungai Buloh Prison to serve a Writ Summons on two Orang Kena Tuduh (OKTs).

At first I was supposed to go with the chambering student but she had to attend court so I've no choice but to go alone. The drive to Sungai Buloh was a long drive. I've been to the prison a few times back in 2007 when I was doing my Legal Aid Program but we went there by bus or by van so I didn't really look at the directions. This was the first time I went there driving on my own. Luckily I stopped by at the petrol station to fill my tank and I asked for directions from the lady at the counter. I managed to find my way though it felt like forever. I thought I've lost my way, no thanks to the lack of signboards (but then again, we are in Malaysia, what do you expect, right?). I thought that I've entered some God forsaken place but logically thinking, of course a prison would be located somewhere secluded and not right smack in the middle of the city. Duhhh.

I arrived there at about 10.30a.m and went to collect my visitor's pass.

I almost didn't get in because apparently, the OKTs refused to see me. WTH I came all the way to the God forsaken place and we've already made an appointment and informed the prison officers that we are coming to see the OKTs. I insisted to talk to the officers who coincidentally were on leave, both of them. Pfft. I talked to another officer and she asked to see her so I went in.

I went in and looked for the officer and I was told to go from one place to another. Typical. I finally went in and after making my way through security and what not and waited for a good 1/2 hour or so for the officer to come, I managed to go in and see the OKTs. The moment I stepped in this one area full of prisoners, a musty stinky kepam masam smell reeks. The area has really poor ventilation and I don't know when was the last time the prisoners took their bath, if at all. I almost felt nauseous so I quickly held my breath. I was escorted by two other officers but I can feel the prisoners looking and staring at me as if I were an alien. Bleugh. Not a great feeling at all. Besides, the female prison officers/wardens are all in uniforms. It's not that I was wearing anything revealing or attention grabbing. I purposely wore a dark blue 3/4 sleeve shirt with long black pants. I guess it's been a while since they last saw a female outsider. On one hand, I felt sorry for them. On the other hand, I thought, "It sucks to be you!"

The officer then brought me to her room and then called in the two OKTs. They were wearing purple uniforms and the were uncuffed. Yeah, a bit scary there. All sorts of things started to run in my head. All the "What ifs" came to my mind. LOL. I talked to the OKTs but they refused to accept service of the Writ Summons. Banyak akal betul!! Dahla kena tahan, menyusahkan orang pulak!

Since they refused to accept service due to some reasons which I shall not disclose here, I've no choice but to leave the place without service. Pfftt. All that for nothing. Anyway the officer was very friendly and again I was escorted on my way out. The moment I stepped out of the prison area, I was relieved. It made me wonder how the hell do they lead their lives all cooped up in there, seeing the same faces every single day, not able to enjoy their freedom. Oh well, who am I to judge them, right? They made a mistake, be it on purpose or otherwise and they have to pay the price.

So kids, STAY OUT OF TROUBLE!!