KOTA KINABALU, SABAH – Police are tracking down the remaining two escapees from the Menggatal Immigration Detention Center with the help of hounds and birds.
A group of nine in their 20s to 40s had made their break on Thursday morning authorities believe fueled by a strong determination to celebrate Hari Raya with family.
Three were caught climbing over the center’s walls by Immigration personnel and later another four were found in nearby villages.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the seven in total were recaptured within a five kilometer radius by 8pm.
“We are actively tracking down the duo still at large with a K9 unit and aerial support from police Air Wing,” he said when contacted.
Meanwhile the seven are in custody at the Karamunsing station lockup awaiting further processing.
In April, a small riot was reported at the same center after folks found out they weren’t allowed to return for Hari Raya. The situation deescalated upon deployment of a police Light Strike Force unit.
