GEORGE TOWN: Penang police are still tracking down 111 Rohingya detainees who escaped from the Sungai Bakap Immigration Depot early yesterday.
The search is being carried out with the assistance of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) air unit.
Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said 111 of those who escaped were still on the run and are believed to be hiding in jungles and oil palm plantations around Nibong Tebal, Bernama reported.
“I have asked for assistance from the PDRM air unit to track them down beginning today. Penang police have also expanded our search with 120 officers and personnel involved in the operation.
“I believe they may not have gotten far as they are barefooted and possibly suffering from exhaustion as well after not having anything to eat or drink since early yesterday,” he told reporters at a media conference here today.
Mohd Shuhaily said police are worried that the escapees might still pose a danger should local residents take their own action.
As for the six detainees who allegedly died, Mohd Shuhaily said, police were still waiting for information from the Immigration Department to identify them.
“The (Myanmar) embassy has also been informed of the whereabouts of the bodies at the Sungai Bakap Hospital (HSB) for further action (burial).
“Whether they are sent back there (Myanmar) will depend on them (the embassy),” he said.
