Police launch manhunt after remand prisoner escapes from hospital in Penang

LocalPolitics
25 Jan 2026 • 1:19 PM MYT
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POLICE are continuing their search for a remand prisoner who escaped custody while undergoing medical treatment for a seizure at Hospital Sungai Bakap near Nibong Tebal in Penang since Friday.

Penang deputy police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the suspect, identified as 47-year-old S Clemont, had earlier been detained on suspicion of involvement in housebreaking and motorcycle theft in the Sungai Bakap area.

“The incident at 3.45pm was reported by the officer assigned to guard the suspect, and the suspect had been taken to hospital on Thursday after suffering a seizure,” he said in a statement issued here today.

“At the time of the escape, the suspect was wearing a blue and white hospital outfit,” he added.

Mohd Alwi said police have launched Op Tutup to track down and rearrest the suspect.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 223 of the Penal Code, which covers negligence by a public servant resulting in a person escaping from lawful custody.

The suspect is also being investigated under Section 224 of the Penal Code for intentionally escaping from lawful detention, he said.

Mohd Alwi urged members of the public with information related to the incident or the suspect’s whereabouts to contact the investigating officer, Assistant Superintendent Cheok Kian Soon, at 012-619 3878.

The public may also contact the South Seberang Perai District Police Headquarters at 04-585 8222 or visit the nearest police station to assist with the investigation. - January 25, 2026