GEORGE TOWN – Some 171 immigration detainees remain at large as of 1pm today as police believe that they are heading to the Klang Valley, said Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.
He also advised the public to report to the authorities if they come across suspected escapees and not to attempt to detain them.
In a press conference with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow here, Shuhaily said of the still missing escapees, 131 are men, 28 women, and 12 boys.
Shuhaily said the escapees who took off barefoot should be worn out since they have been on the run for 12 hours.
He added that Kedah police are taking the lead in the investigation into the escape while the Penang contingent is providing assistance.
About 80 police personnel from Penang, including canine tracker units, have been deployed.
Police here are setting up roadblocks along Jalan Sg Baong, Jalan Tasek-Valdor in Simpang Ampang and Jalan Krian Kedah near Nibong Tebal.
According to data from the Immigration Department, the Sg Bakap temporary detention centre has a total of 664 Rohingya, of which 528 escaped this morning (294 men, 97 women, 69 boys, and 68 girls).
Chow said that the state government hopes that the matter can be resolved soon.
He also expressed his gratitude to the immigration authorities as well as the Kedah, Penang, and Perak police contingents for working together to capture the escapees.
Earlier, Shuhaily said six of the 528 escaped immigration detainees died trying to cross the PLUS highway at KM165 southbound after their escape from the temporary detention depot in Sg Bakap.
Immigration Director-General Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud said in a statement that the detainees fled after breaking the block door and the grill barrier at the depot.
At 4.20am, hundreds of detainees fled the temporary depot, much to the surprise of nearby residents, who took photos and videos of them escaping. – The Vibes, April 20, 2022
