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KOTA KINABALU – A riot broke out at an immigration depot here today involving almost 400 detainees.
The inmates, believed to be Filipinos, were said to be upset over the late deportation process.
In the 6.30am incident, the detainees escaped from their cells but did not leave the depot.
Sabah Immigration deputy director (operations) Masri Adul said the incident started from a block housing women detainees.
The women were said to have been stressed out due to the delay in their deportation, and wanted the process be carried out as soon as possible.
“Their provocation was heard by those in the male detention block situated opposite the female detention block, which then started a small protest.
“Three blocks with male detainees managed to break the lock of their lock-up cells, and they escaped to the lock-up compound,” he told The Vibes.
Masri said the personnel at the depot then alerted the police and Sabah Immigration headquarters for assistance.
Some 70 personnel and officers, as well as 40 Immigration enforcement personnel, were dispatched to the centre.
“The situation is under control and I have conducted negotiations with Kota Kinabalu police chief Mohd Zaidi Abdullah.
“During the negotiation, I explained to the detainees the situation we are facing regarding the deportation process that had to be delayed.
“The delay was requested by the Philippines’ embassy due to several factors relating to the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
Masri said that the negotiation lasted about an hour before all detainees agreed to return to their cells.
Meanwhile, Masri said police have placed 30 personnel at the detention centre for several days to monitor the situation.
“No casualties or damage of property were reported in the incident, and we will monitor the situation from time to time.” – The Vibes, September 10, 2021
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