Ex-convict makes lucrative income from skills acquired in prison

BAGAN DATUK: Making tiger sculptures, a skill acquired while behind bars for three years in a prison in Thailand, is providing a lucrative income for a former convict.
Jeem (not his real name), 49, said he was able to earn more than RM5,000 a month, especially during the fruit season as his tiger sculptures, each weighing about two kilogramme, were sought by orchard owners to scare away monkeys from their farms.
He operates his business from his car along main roads, including at Jalan Hutan Melintang-Bagan Datuk. The tigers are displayed on the car roof.
"I realise that as an ex-convict, it is a problem for me to get employment. So, after completing my jail time in 2005, I make tiger sculptures and sell them for income to support my wife and 10 children," he added.
Jeem, who operates his business along Jalan Hutan Melintang-Bagan Datuk, said he was sent to prison for corruption.
"There are always orders for the tiger sculptures and I manage to sell 20 to 30 pieces a month for between RM150 and RM200 each. During the fruit season last year, I sold more than 300 pieces.
"Some of the tiger sculptures are fixed with electronic sensor and battery to give a roaring sound and they are sought after by orchard owners to scare away trespassers on their farms.
"The tiger sculptures are also bought for decorations," he added.
Jeem, who is from Bagan Nakhoda Omar, Sabak Bernam in Selangor, said he was able to produce an average of 13 tiger sculptures in eight hours.
"They are made using polystyrene and sponge and then wrapped with tiger-skin design carpet," he said. — Bernama