Sabin (centre) congratulating an inmate pursuing a Street Musician Stroller Australian Diploma in Performing Arts, while Deputy Comm Tey (second from left) and Chua (right) look on.
HAMIDAH Amran (not her real name) shifted uncomfortably as she rocked her irritable three-month-old daughter in her arms.
The hall felt stuffy despite the whirring fans, and the sea of unfamiliar faces only unsettled her baby more.
Still, Hamidah, 39, was determined not to miss her younger brother's performance.
He brother Ahmad is one of 20 inmates at Sabah's Kota Kinabalu Prison pursuing a two-year Street Musician Stroller Australian Diploma in Performing Arts.
Ahmad, 35, picked up his guitar while two bandmates readied themselves at the organ and drums.
"He has always played the guitar. He even composed some songs," Hamidah said proudly.
But his talent was cut short after one wrong decision landed him behind bars.
"Seeing him up there today, doing what he loves, makes me happy. I'm glad he has this chance to showcase his gift," she said.
For Ahmad, being chosen for this programme made him feel appreciated and useful.
"I have learnt the drums, I am now picking up the organ, and I even get to sing," he said.
For fellow inmate Ebi, 42, the experience has been one of rediscovery.
"I started with the guitar but later focused on vocals.
"I learnt how to project my voice and even tried instruments I had never touched before, like the saxophone.
"This programme has given me the chance to follow my passion despite my mistakes," he shared.
M, 43, called it a second chance.
"This programme prepares us for busking once we are released.
"It gives us a platform to start over and earn a living.
Kota Kinabalu Prison inmates performing for an audience that includes their family members. Twenty of the inmates have been selected for the two-year diploma course.
"For me, music provides direction," he said.
Awang, 37, who is serving his third sentence for a repeat drug offence, said the training had given him confidence.
"I have always loved music, but now I can read notes and control my pitch better.
"I hope these skills will open up new opportunities for me when I return to society," he said.
Family members, too, felt the impact. Vincent Macapili, 40, who came to see his brother perform, said the initiative had changed his view of prisons.
"It was surprising to find a course like this here. To me, this diploma means there is still hope.
"It shows prison is not just about punishment, but also about giving people a second chance," he said.
The internationally recognised diploma requires 740 credit hours and is designed not only to train inmates musically but also help in their rehabilitation.
Sabah Prisons Department Deputy Comm Tey Hock Soon said the programme, run with Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), was inspired by a similar effort at the Henry Gurney School in Teluk Emas, Melaka.
"Building on that success, it was introduced in Kota Kinabalu Prison for adult participants who showed an interest and background in music.
"Graduates will have the chance to busk in designated areas, supported by DBKK, and may also perform at events such as weddings," he said, adding this was the second batch of participants.
Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah said DBKK fully supported efforts to provide inmates with second chances through skill-building.
"With this training, they will be able to apply their talents once they are released, whether as buskers or performers, and hopefully generate an income.
Distinctone Sdn Bhd (Music Hive) executive director Datuk Peter Chua, who is also the programme coordinator, said the initiative grew from Rhythm of Freedom, a prison orchestra project that began in Sabah and is recognised as the first of its kind in the world.
"That success inspired us to expand into street music, which focuses on building confidence, social skills and entrepreneurial spirit among inmates.
"Music not only rehabilitates but also helps them reintegrate into society.
"At the same time, it adds to Sabah's tourism content, as visitors are always looking for authentic experiences," he said.
With the mayor's backing, he said there were plans to create platforms for graduates to perform, either as solo buskers or in small groups.
Although still a pilot project, Chua said the model had potential to expand nationwide, with over 20,000 inmates across Malaysia.
"Sabah has been the starting point, and we are proud to see it lead the way in such initiatives."
The course fee is about RM6,000 per student.
"We welcome financial support so this programme can be sustained and reach more people," Chua added.