It was drizzling that misty morning in Alor Setar.

The elderly couple stretch as they get off the bus, about six hours after leaving Hentian Duta in Kuala Lumpur.

Usually, their first stop after alighting would be the religious school in front of the Alor Setar prison. There, they would perform the subuh (pre-dawn) prayers and await day break.

Abdul Rahman Abdul Hamid and his wife Siti Aishah Itam will stay there until 8am. It is their usual routine.

They make the journey to visit their son, Murtaza, who is now detained at the prison under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).