PADAWAN: After spending numerous years incarcerated, Mervin Renggu now embarks on a journey of redemption.
The 49-year-old was interviewed by the New Sarawak Tribune during the Licensed Prisoner Release Programme (PBSL) at Puncak Borneo Prison yesterday (April 4).
During the program, designed to aid the reintegration of former inmates into society, Mervin extended a helping hand to those who, like him, were seeking a fresh start.
Surrounded by recently released inmates, Mervin’s presence symbolized hope for individuals who have lost their way due to addiction and misguided influences.
Reflection
Reflecting on his past, Mervin candidly admitted, “My actions back then were a result of my social circle.
“I associated with the wrong crowd and fell into the trap of drugs around the age of 37–38.
“It was a gradual descent. Eventually, I found myself mingling with the wrong people and succumbing to temptation,” he said.
However, his journey into addiction was not without consequences.
“I engaged in various reckless behaviours; my thoughts became erratic, and I found myself trapped in a web of deceit and despair.
“It was only when I was apprehended that I realized the gravity of my actions,” he recounted somberly.
At the age of 46, Mervin’s life took a decisive turn as he faced the consequences of his choices.
Confined within the prison walls, he had ample time for introspection.
Before, he never pondered much about his actions. However, incarceration made him realize the impact of his decisions.
He spent his days contemplating his life and the choices he had made, which brought about a significant change for him.
“I’m 49 now,” he shared, “and I deeply regret the pain I caused my family, the financial hardships we endured, and the toll it took on my well-being.”
How addiction silenced his career
For Mervin, his descent into drug dependency marked the end of an era and the beginning of a tumultuous journey towards redemption.
Recalling his past as a DJ, Mervin revealed, “I used to be a DJ, but I had to quit because of drugs.”
“It was my fault, not my friends’. I chose to try it myself. At the time, I was curious about the experience,” he said.
He described the initial allure of drugs as a surge of energy and heightened perception, a sensation that overshadowed the monotonous routines of everyday life.
As a DJ accustomed to late-night gigs, Mervin found himself struggling with exhaustion.
“Working late nights until two to three in the morning, I was always sleepy,” he explained.
However, with the introduction of drugs into his life, lethargy was replaced by a newfound vitality that permeated his days and nights.
He mentioned that once he tried it, he felt energized throughout the entire day and week.
However, the euphoria came at a cost, both financially and emotionally.
Mervin’s paycheck became synonymous with his drug habit as he spiralled deeper into addiction.
“Every day, I indulged. My salary went straight into it,” he lamented.
Reflecting on his journey, Mervin acknowledged the insidious nature of addiction.
“That’s why I say, once you try it, you’ll want more. There’s no such thing as ‘I’ll only do it once a week,'” he asserted.
The aftermath
Mervin shared his story of struggle, regrets, and the severe consequences of drug use.
He admitted to using drugs almost every day, spending his own money on them.
Most importantly, he regretted the impact on his family.
“At the time, I was married with three children—two sons and a daughter. They were deeply disappointed when I was first arrested, and my wife was taken aback,” he said.
Now, Mervin’s health is also suffering. He experienced a stroke on one side of his face.
Living alone now, Mervin’s future is uncertain.
He revealed that his marital status is still pending, unable to definitively say whether he is divorced or still married.
During his time in prison, Mervin found himself with ample time for reflection.
“Every day, I sat in silence, with nothing to do but think,” he recalled.
“It was only behind bars that I truly began to contemplate my actions. Previously, I never gave it a second thought. I used to think, ‘Just try it once,’ but now I know better.
“Never underestimate the power of addiction. Once you start, it’s hard to stop.”
Story of redemption
Currently employed at James Brooke Bistro & Cafe, where over 30 former inmates like himself have found work, Mervin reflected on the pivotal role of rehabilitation programs in facilitating reintegration into society.
“I was released from prison on parole before 2018 if I’m not mistaken, and it was the prison authorities who helped arrange it,” he explained.
Acknowledging the challenges of life after incarceration, Mervin Renggu has embarked on a journey of redemption.
After spending several years in prison, he is now participating in the Licensed Prisoner Release Programme (PBSL) at Puncak Borneo Prison, which aims to support the reintegration of former inmates into society.
Mervin is now extending a helping hand to others who are seeking a fresh start, serving as a symbol of hope for those who have lost their way due to addiction and negative influences.
Reflecting on his past, Mervin acknowledges that his actions were influenced by his social circle. He admits to associating with the wrong crowd and falling into the trap of drugs in his late thirties.
It was a gradual descent, and he eventually found himself engaging in reckless behaviours and experiencing the negative consequences of addiction. It was only when he was apprehended that he realized the gravity of his actions.
During his time in prison, Mervin had the opportunity for introspection and contemplation. He deeply regrets the pain he caused his family, the financial hardships they endured, and the toll it took on his well-being.
Mervin also reveals that his addiction led to the end of his career as a DJ. He had to quit due to his drug dependency, which affected his performance and overall well-being.
Mervin describes the initial allure of drugs as a surge of energy and heightened perception that overshadowed the monotony of his everyday life. As a DJ working late nights, he struggled with exhaustion.
However, drugs provided him with a newfound vitality, but it came at a cost. He became financially dependent on drugs, using his salary to sustain his habit.
Mervin emphasizes the insidious nature of addiction, stating that once someone tries it, they often want more and find it difficult to control their usage.
Mervin also shares the impact of his addiction on his family. His wife and children were deeply disappointed when he was first arrested, and he regrets the pain he caused them.
He now lives alone, and his health has also suffered, as he experienced a stroke on one side of his face.
During his time in prison, Mervin had ample time for reflection and contemplation.
He realized the significance of his actions and the power of addiction. He warns others not to underestimate it, emphasizing that once someone starts, it’s challenging to stop.
Currently, Mervin is employed at James Brooke Bistro & Cafe, where many former inmates like himself have found work.
He acknowledges the importance of rehabilitation programs in facilitating the reintegration of former prisoners into society.
Mervin’s story serves as an example of redemption and highlights the potential for positive change even after a period of incarceration.
