KOTA BELUD: A Filipino detainee
(pic) under remand is being hunted by authorities after escaping along Jalan Bukit Kelawat, here, while being transported from Kudat to Kepayan Prison on Wednesday.
Kota Belud District Police Chief Supt Shahrudin Mat Husain said the incident occurred around 2.15pm while four Filipino detainees were being escorted in a Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency vehicle (MMEA).
He said the incident happened as the MMEA vehicle was passing through Jalan Bukit Kerawat.
“One of the detainees, who was charged under Section 55A of the Immigration Act, managed to lock his handcuffs and jumped out through the vehicle window.
“The escorting officers attempted to chase the suspect but failed, as he fled into a nearby forest area near Kampung Bundu, Kota Belud,” he said, Thursday.
Shahrudin said efforts to track down the suspect are actively underway with assistance from the Kota Belud District Police Headquarters (IPD).
“The case is being investigated under Sections 223 and 224 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine, or both, on conviction.
Members of the public with any information regarding the suspect are urged to immediately contact the Kota Belud IPD Operations Room at 088-973308.
