KOTA BARU: A 31-year-old suspect who has been remanded for drug abuse, escaped from the Pengkalan Chepa prison this morning.
The man identified as Mohamad Soolleh Mohd Noor of Wakaf Bharu, is believed to have escaped from the prison by climbing one of its fences.
Kota Baru district police chief Assistant Commissioner Abdul Rahim Daud said police received a report on the incident at about 10.15am.
"Police were informed that the suspect had escaped while disposing garbage by climbing the fence near the prison tower.
"He was placed under remand since March 22 for alleged involvement in drugs and criminal cases," he added.
He said police have mounted an operation to track down the suspect.
"We also have set up few roadblocks to help us in the operation," he said.
Abdul Rahim urged those with information on the man's whereabouts, to contact the nearest police station.
Police's roadblocks were set up among others in Jalan Pengkalan Chepa, Jalan Hamzah and Jalan Kampung Sireh.