[UPDATED] Cops arrest two of four alleged masterminds of Sg Bakap escape

BANDAR BAHARU – Two of the four alleged culprits behind the escape from Sg Bakap temporary detention centre were arrested here yesterday, said Kedah police.

State police chief Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad said the duo have been sent to the immigration detention facility in Semenyih, Selangor after their arrests here.

“The two suspects arrested were identified as Nur Karim Shir, 34, and Mohamed Ali, 30.

“The other two suspects who are still at large are Muhammad Salim Nur Amin, 21, and Mohd Yunus, 44,” he said at a press conference here today.

He added that police will be investigating the four masterminds and will charge them for rioting and escaping detention.

As of noon today, a total of 440 detainees have been recaptured while the remaining 88 are still at large.

“We have also conducted an investigation on detainees who were recaptured. Most of them admitted to following a friend during the escape, besides feeling uncomfortable in the detention centre.

“We acknowledged that one of the detainees died in detention, but we are not saying that it is the main reason why they fled. But dissatisfaction exists.”

He said police will increase their efforts in hunting down the detainees, who are still at large.

“We are worried because now it is the third day, and the escapees will definitely not be able to survive because of hunger.

“We hope no one protects them because legal action can be taken under the Immigration Act.”

A total of 528 Rohingya detainees escaped from the Sg Bakap temporary detention centre at about 4am yesterday.

Immigration Director-General Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud said in a statement that they fled after breaking the block door and the grille barrier. – The Vibes, April 22, 2022