SIMANGGANG: An extensive search operation codenamed ‘Ops Kesan’ has been launched after a male inmate escaped from the Sri Aman Central Prison early this morning.
The escapee, identified as John Sambang Sangau, 38, fled at around 7:15 am by climbing over a temporary gate behind Blok Rahmat 3.
Prison personnel conducted an immediate sweep of the area but failed to locate him.
Sri Aman Police Chief, Supt Dennis Bunyam, said the escapee is serving a sentence under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
“He began his sentence on October 20 and was due for release on January 24 next year. At the time of escape, he was shirtless and only wearing green long pants,” he said.
Dennis stated that they have since set up an ‘Ops Tutup’ roadblock along Kilometre 7, Jalan Sri Aman-Kuching, and activated multiple units to track down the escapee.
Among those mobilised are the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), Narcotics Crime Investigation Division (NCID), mobile patrol vehicle (MPV), traffic police, motorcycle patrol unit (URB), and police stations outside Sri Aman police’s jurisdiction.
He added that the K9 Unit from the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters (IPK) has been requested, and support from the General Operations Force (GOF) 23rd Battalion will also be sought to expand the search area.
