PENGALAMAN HIDUP DAN CABARAN BEKAS BANDUAN DI LUAR PENJARA: KAJIAN KES KE ATAS BEKAS BANDUAN DI JALAN CHOW KIT

LIFE EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES OF FORMER PRISONERS OUTSIDE PRISON: A CASE STUDY OF FORMER PRISONERS IN JALAN CHOW KIT

Abstract

Kehidupan selepas pembebasan dari penjara sering kali menjadi fasa yang paling mencabar bagi bekas banduan, khususnya bagi mereka yang tidak mempunyai sokongan keluarga, peluang pekerjaan atau jaringan sosial yang kukuh. Ketidakmampuan menyesuaikan diri dengan tuntutan hidup di luar tembok penjara menyebabkan ramai dalam kalangan mereka akhirnya hidup di jalanan dan terperangkap dalam kitaran sosial yang tidak stabil. Kajian ini dijalankan bagi memahami pengalaman hidup serta cabaran yang dihadapi oleh bekas banduan yang mengalami pengulangan kesalahan, khususnya mereka yang berada di sekitar kawasan Jalan Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur. Menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, seramai tiga orang bekas banduan ditemu bual secara mendalam. Pemilihan informan dibuat melalui teknik persampelan purposif

berdasarkan kriteria tertentu, iaitu berstatus bekas banduan, mempunyai rekod jenayah berulang, warganegara Malaysia, dan tidak mengalami sebarang penyakit mental yang menghalang proses temu bual. Dapatan kajian ini mendedahkan tiga tema utama yang mempengaruhi kelangsungan hidup mereka selepas pembebasan. Tema pertama berkaitan hubungan kekeluargaan yang sering renggang dan dipenuhi rasa rindu, namun dalam masa yang sama menjadi sumber motivasi untuk berubah. Tema kedua menyentuh isu ketagihan dadah dan kitaran jenayah yang saling memperkukuh antara satu sama lain, menjadikan proses pemulihan lebih sukar. Tema ketiga pula merangkumi halangan integrasi semula ke dalam masyarakat, khususnya dari segi kesukaran mendapatkan pekerjaan akibat rekod jenayah serta stigma masyarakat terhadap bekas banduan. Kesemua faktor ini menunjukkan bahawa pembebasan dari penjara bukan jaminan kepada kehidupan yang lebih baik sekiranya tiada sokongan yang holistik. Oleh itu, hanya melalui gabungan strategi pencegahan, intervensi sosial, pemerkasaan ekonomi dan program pemulihan berterusan, kadar jenayah berulang dapat dikurangkan, sekali gus meningkatkan keselamatan dan kesejahteraan masyarakat secara keseluruhan.

Life after release from prison often represents the most challenging phase for former inmates, particularly for those without strong family support, employment opportunities, or stable social networks. The inability to reintegrate effectively into society leaves many homeless former prisoners and trapped in unstable social cycles. This study aims to explore the lived experiences and challenges faced by former prisoners, particularly those residing around the Chow Kit area in Kuala Lumpur. Using a qualitative research approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with three former prisoners. Participants were selected through purposive sampling based on specific criteria: being a former prisoner, having repeated criminal offences, being a Malaysian citizen, and having no mental illness that would hinder participation in the interview. The findings reveal three major themes that shape their post-release experiences. The first theme relates to family relationships, which are often strained yet filled with deep longing, while still serving as an important source of emotional motivation. The second theme highlights the issues of drug addiction and the crime cycle, both of which reinforce each other and complicate the process of recovery. The third theme concerns barriers to reintegration, particularly difficulties in securing employment due to criminal records, as well as the stigma imposed by society on former offenders. These challenges demonstrate that release from prison alone does not guarantee improved life outcomes without comprehensive and sustained support. Therefore, reducing recidivism requires a holistic combination of prevention strategies, social interventions, economic empowerment, and continuous rehabilitation programmes. Such integrated approaches are essential to breaking the cycle of crime and addiction, ultimately contributing to greater public safety and community well-being.