A 26-year-old Malaysian woman from Tumpat, Kelantan, is currently serving a five-year prison sentence in Thailand after unknowingly carrying drugs on behalf of a friend.
According to Harian Metro, the woman known as Anna (pseudonym) was arrested alongside her boyfriend in 2023 at a hotel in Sungai Kolok, Narathiwat.
The arrest came after authorities discovered that a bag she had been asked to carry contained Yaba pills, a type of methamphetamine.
‘I thought I was helping a friend’
Anna shared that she had no idea what was inside the bag and only agreed to hold it because her friend claimed to be handling an urgent matter.
“She asked me to help carry the bag. I didn’t know it contained Yaba pills. I thought I was doing a favour for a friend,” she said.
Now, I’m observing Ramadan behind bars.”
This marks Anna’s second Ramadan in prison, and she expressed deep regret over what had happened.
“I miss my parents so much, especially with Hari Raya coming soon. I really regret not listening to their advice.”
Not an isolated case
Narathiwat Prison’s Head of the Women’s Section, Panata, confirmed that Anna is one of seven Malaysian women currently serving time for drug-related offences in the prison.
She also revealed that Anna’s case isn’t an isolated one. In fact, half of the seven women are believed to have been exploited by drug syndicates operating along the Malaysia-Thailand border.
“All of them are from Kelantan and are mostly in their 20s. The maximum sentence among them is five years,” she said.
Despite being behind bars, Muslim inmates, who make up 80% of the prison population, will still be allowed to carry out religious obligations and celebrate Hari Raya.
Inmates will be permitted to perform prayers and participate in festive activities. Family visits will also be allowed during this period,” she said.
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