GEORGE TOWN – Another Rohingya detainee who was injured after being hit by a car on the North-South Expressway, while fleeing from the temporary detention depot in Sg Bakap last Wednesday, passed away yesterday.
The victim, a 14-year-old girl, was confirmed dead at the Seberang Jaya Hospital, yesterday morning.
This makes a total of seven Rohingya detainees killed in the accident that took place on KM165 on the southbound highway, at 4.30am last week.
State police chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said another victim of the accident, a 21-year-old man, is still receiving treatment at the hospital.
“The investigation into the incident is still ongoing and so far, police have recorded statements from several witnesses to assist in the investigation,” he told reporters at the Bayan Baru Ramadan Bazaar, today.
At the same time, police are still hunting for the remaining 61 Rohingya escapees who are still at large.
He also did not rule out the possibility that the detainees who are still at large managed to flee from Penang due to the location of the detention depot located near the state border.
“What I am worried about is the possibility of these Rohingya detainees getting help from the locals.
“It’s been a week since these detainees escaped and maybe they got help in terms of food, that’s why they can survive.”
A total of 528 Rohingya detainees escaped from the Sg Bakap Temporary Detention Depot at about 4am on April 20.
Immigration Director-General Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud said in a statement that they fled after breaking the block door and grille barrier. – The Vibes, April 27, 2022
