After serving more than five years in jail for drug-related offences, rock group Spring vocalist Ameng became a free man when he walked out of the Kluang prison here today.

Ameng, 48, whose real name is Wan Aminuddin Wan Ismail, was freed at about noon and greeted by wife, Sabariah Zakariah, 46, and son, Wan Amar Haikal, 9, outside the prison gate.

When met by reporters, Ameng said he felt “like being born again” after going through various gruesome episodes in jail.

“At first, I thought I can never start a new life, but with the Grace of God, and support from friends, family and everyone, I managed to weather the storm.”

He said after doing time in prison, he had grown to love and appreciate his family more, especially his wife, who had never given up on him.

He said he planned to continue his career to make up for the loss while in jail, as well as conduct Quran-reading classes for fellow artistes who were interested.

He advised the public, including fellow artistes, to stay away from crime and drugs as life in prison was a harrowing experience.

“In prison, you will feel you have lost everything, including your family, wealth, fame and others. You have to sleep on the hard cement floor and food is so unappetizing.

“You only have one pair of dreary-looking clothes,” he said while adding that he could not wait to celebrate Aidilfitri with his family in Malacca.

On April 12, 2011, Ameng was sentenced to eight years in prison and ordered to be given 10 strokes of the rotan by the Malacca Sessions Court for drug offences, but due to good behaviour the sentence was reduced.

– BERNAMA