Police Hunt for Ten Escapees from Tanah Merah Immigration Depot
KOTA BHARU: Police have launched a hunt for ten undocumented migrants who escaped from the Tanah Merah Immigration Depot early Sunday morning, according to reports from Malay Mail and The Star.
The escapees, who are identifiable by their bright green uniforms and shaved heads, fled the facility at approximately 3am, as reported by The Star. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat confirmed that the migrants were under the custody of the Kelantan Immigration Department and that an investigation has been initiated.
"It happened at about 3am today (Aug 23). We will investigate further," he told a press conference, as reported by The Star.
Distinguishing Features and Public Advisory
According to Malay Mail, the escapees are still wearing the depot's distinctive bright green attire, which includes printed identification numbers, among them 18101 and 18802. Their last known location was reported to be Bukit Tebu, Tanah Merah.
In a statement posted on the Kelantan police's Facebook page, authorities urged the public to report any sightings immediately. The statement advised against approaching or taking any action against the escapees, but to contact the police directly.
Information can be directed to the Tanah Merah District Control Centre at 09-955 6222 (Tanah Merah District Police Headquarters), 09-955 6223 (Tanah Merah Police Station), or via WhatsApp at 011-2955 5518.
Composition of Escapees and Ongoing Investigation
The fugitives comprise seven Thai nationals, one Indonesian, one Bangladeshi and one Rohingya, according to Malay Mail. Police chief Mohd Yusoff told a press conference that an alert had been issued to mobilise a lockdown operation in the area around the depot to track down and recapture all the escaped migrants, as reported by The Star.
Neither police nor the management of the Tanah Merah Immigration Depot has provided additional details about the circumstances surrounding the escape.