Escaped detainee was actually brought to meet family, not for treatment

The suspect who escaped from police detention was brought to meet his family members, said Penang police chief Datuk Chuah Ghee Lye.

He said reports that he had escaped after seeking treatment at the Balik Pulau Hospital were not true.

He also denied allegation that the van ferrying the three detainees experienced brake failure at Jalan Paya Terubong where the detainee had allegedly escaped, adding that the vehicle was in excellent condition.

He said initial investigations revealed that the policemen were in cahoots with the detainees to bring them to meet their respective family members at a condominium and homestay in Sungai Ara.

"Investigations revealed that the report was not true. What actually happened was that the three detainees were not brought to hospital but to meet their family members," he told reporters.

"Suspect Anuar was brought to meet his family at a condominium in Sungai Ara while the two other detainees were brought to homestays in Sungai Ara. After Anuar met his family, he had asked to be brought to Sungai Nibong Besar to meet a civilian. That's where he had escaped," he said.

Chuah said investigations revealed that all the policemen involved had received money from the family of the detainee.

"There was payment, so we are investigating. In the report, it was stated that the detainee was handcuffed but CCTV at the condominium showed he was not.

He said the policemen were also not adhering to the standard operating procedure (SOP).

Chuah promised to carry out investigations thoroughly and fairly.

"If there are weakness in SOP, we will give suggestion for improvemen not just for this case but for the overall procedure so that this kind of incident does not recur.

Chuah said police believe the suspect is still in the country and efforts have been intensified to track him down.

Earlier, Chuah said eight policemen aged between 27 to 59 have been detained to assist investigation.

Case s being investigated under Section 223 of the Penal Code for escape from confinement, negligently suffered by a public servant; and Section 224 of the same code for resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehension.

The detainee Anuar Ayat, 43 is facing drug charges.