Hundreds Of Rohingya Refugees Escape From The Pulau Pinang Immigration Depot

PIXABAY ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - A total of 528 Rohingya refugees detained by Malaysian immigration fled from the Sungai Bakap Temporary Immigration Depot, Penang.

"They fled after breaking the block door and the barrier grill. The officers have activated the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) by contacting the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and related agencies for assistance," said Malaysian Director General of Immigration (JIM) Khairul Dzaimee in Kuala Lumpur. reported Antara, Wednesday, April 20.

He said efforts to search and arrest the escaped detainees were being carried out with the PDRM, volunteers, and the community.

"As of 10.00 a.m. this morning, 362 detainees have been recaptured. The search for other detainees is continuing," said Khairul.

The immigration authorities urge people who have information about the whereabouts of fugitive detainees to report to JIM or PDRM.

Kedah Police in its statement said that at 04.00 a.m. they have received a report from residents that there has been a riot at the Relau and Seramai Immigration Detention Depot. A total of 528 detainees have escaped in the incident and 136 people are still in custody.

The total number of detainees at the depot reached 664 people, comprising 430 men, 97 women, 69 boys, and 68 girls, the statement said.