KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran rock singer Ameng of Spring felt that his life had "ended" when he was sentenced to six years' imprisonment for drug abuse in 2011.
In an interview with radio station Zayan's Kisah Inspirasi programme yesterday, the 52-year-old rocker whose real name is Wan Aminuddin Wan Ismail said that drug abuse ruined his life, but jail time rehabilitated him.
"My life was in a mess, my marriage was on the rocks, and I angered and disappointed my parents.
"When I was sent to jail, I felt that life was not worth living any more," said Ameng.
He added that his wife and children suffered as a result of his imprisonment.
"My children hugged my legs tightly before I was sent to jail.
"I was so sad and heartbroken when this happened. But it was no use crying over spilt milk," he said.
Ameng, who received 10 strokes of the rotan, was released from jail in 2016.
"When I went to jail, I didn't care about myself any more. I began to worry about spending a very long time behind bars.
"However, when religious teachers provided me with religious programmes, I received a strong incentive to change my errant ways and return to the straight path."
Ameng soon worked hard to memorise and recite the Quran. By the time he was released from jail, he had become a changed man.
"In fact, I had changed so much that my three children couldn't recognise me. They thought I was another person, and not their father!"
Ameng's story of his imprisonment and rehabilitation earned the thumbs up from Netizens who followed the interview on Zayan's Instagram account.
Muiz said: "May you stay strong on the right path Abang Ameng. You inspire all of we young people to change for the better."
Hajar said: "Alhamdulillah, may you continue to receive God's blessings and protection."
Yahaya said: "A truly inspirational person, Ameng Spring. A lot of lessons can be learnt from your story. May you stay healthy and happy with your loved ones."
Ameng, who hails from Besut, Terengganu, joined Spring in 1990, three years after the rock group was formed. He also had a successful solo career, and his best known songs include Langkah Semakin Jauh and Salam Air Mata.
