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In the aftermath of the daring escape by 131 illegal immigrants from the Temporary Immigration Depot in Bidor, the Immigration Department is swiftly implementing comprehensive measures to address the situation and prevent future breakouts. Immigration director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh has unveiled a strategic plan, particularly focusing on the 2,675 Rohingya detainees currently dispersed across 12 depots nationwide.
Recognizing the potential for aggressive behavior, Ruslin emphasized the need to redistribute the Rohingya detainees, reducing their numbers in specific blocks and introducing a mix with detainees from other countries, including Indonesia and Bangladesh. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the likelihood of large groups displaying aggressive tendencies, as witnessed during the recent breakout in Bidor.
During a press conference, Ruslin detailed the aggressive actions taken by the escapees, including thrashing cell gates, throwing stones at immigration personnel, and breaking through perimeter fencing. The intensity of the breakout resulted in two of the 28 RELA personnel on duty sustaining slight injuries.
The escapees, comprised of 115 Rohingya, 15 Myanmar detainees, and one Bangladeshi, successfully fled via a back road, navigating through oil palm plantations to reach the nearby highway. Tragically, one of the escapees lost their life in a subsequent road accident on the North-South Highway.
Authorities suspect that the remaining escapees might still be in the vicinity of the depot, moving in small groups to evade detection. While the tragic incident has prompted immediate action, Ruslin acknowledged the need for a comprehensive investigation into the root cause of the escape, including the possibility that it was premeditated.
These developments highlight the complexities faced by immigration authorities in managing detainee populations and enforcing security protocols within detention facilities. The proactive measures, including the redistribution plan, underscore the commitment to maintaining order and preventing unauthorized escapes. As investigations unfold, it becomes imperative to address systemic challenges and reinforce security measures to ensure the safety of both immigration personnel and detainees across the country.
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