Police are probing whether the negligence of police personnel on duty led to the escape of a remand detainee from the Sungai Buloh Prison on Thursday.
According to Selangor police chief Shazeli Kahar, the incident is being investigated under Sections 223 and 224 of the Penal Code.
Section 223 stipulates offences related to a public officer's negligence causing a person to escape detention. It carries a maximum punishment of two years’ imprisonment and can also be fined.
Section 224, meanwhile, punishes the act of escaping from custody.
"Police will look into whether there was any form of negligence or weakness, and appropriate actions will be taken should there be enough evidence," he said, as quoted by Sinar Harian.
Shazeli spoke about the incident during a press conference at the Selangor police headquarters earlier today.
He said several police personnel have been taken off active duty pending investigation.
Police have also recorded statements from several police officers, Prison Department officials and other detainees who witnessed the incident.
Viral clip of alleged escape
On April 9, Pakistani national Muhammad Hassan, 24, escaped from police custody at the Sungai Buloh Prison field after attending trial proceedings at a Shah Alam court.
The man was in custody for alleged child sexual offences.
According to Shazeli, police are intensifying the manhunt for Muhammad Hassan, who they believe is still within the Sungai Buloh area.
Meanwhile, a short video clip believed to be from a CCTV recording at the prison complex has gone viral on social media platforms.
The footage showed a group of people being unloaded from a police truck when one of them started sprinting away.
Two of the escorting police officers gave chase, while another was seen making a similar attempt but stopped after several steps.
The Prison Department, in a statement today, said it was aware of the viral video and is investigating its authenticity.
"The department wishes to stress that the security of correctional institutions is always our top priority.
"Any weaknesses identified will be addressed and improved, and appropriate action will be taken against any party found to be negligent or in breach of procedures," it added. - Mkini
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