Escaped Detainee: Police Probe Possible SOP Breach

SHAH ALAM, April 13 (Bernama) -- Police have opened an investigation into the escape of a Pakistani remand detainee from Sungai Buloh Prison near here last week to determine whether there was any breach of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the case is being investigated under Sections 223 and 224 of the Penal Code, with authorities currently examining whether there was any negligence or weaknesses before any action is taken.

“We have also called in personnel to have their statements recorded, as well as several other individuals, including those from the Prisons Department. Statements have also been taken from detainees who witnessed the incident.

“So far, no arrests have been made, although some individuals have been relieved of their active duties,” he said at a press conference on the achievements of the Selangor Commercial Crime Investigation Department and the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department here today.

Shazeli said police also believe the suspect, Muhammad Hassan, 24, is still in the Sungai Buloh area, and efforts to locate him, now entering the fifth day, have been intensified with the involvement of other agencies.

“We believe that the detainee has yet to establish communication with his friends. Based on police action, we believe efforts to prevent such communication have been successful,” he said.

On April 11, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) announced that checks at all the country’s entry points have been tightened to prevent the suspect from fleeing abroad.

The man escaped from police custody at the Sungai Buloh Prison parade ground at about 6 pm after attending court proceedings at the Shah Alam Court.

The suspect, who is facing charges related to sexual offences involving a child as well as immigration offences, was last seen wearing an orange T-shirt and black long pants.

Members of the public with information have been urged to contact investigating officer Inspector Muhendran Chandra at 010-430 4383 or the Search and Capture (SAC) Operations Room hotline at 03-6140 1096.

-- BERNAMA