PUTRAJAYA; The Immigration Department continues to search for the remaining 30 illegal immigrants who escaped from the Bidor Immigration depot in Perak on Feb 1. Immigration director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh stated that these individuals are believed to still be in Perak, possibly finding refuge within their own communities.
“We are actively trying to locate the remaining 30 illegal immigrants and suspect that they have integrated within their communities. Our operations are focused on areas where foreigners, particularly Rohingya, reside,” Ruslin told Bernama in an interview on Tuesday.
Following the breakout on Feb 1, a total of 131 illegal immigrants managed to escape from the male block of the detention depot, leading to two fatalities in road accidents. Among those who fled, 115 were Rohingya, 15 were Myanmar nationals, and one was a Bangladeshi national.
Ruslin mentioned that facial recognition is challenging during operations in foreigner settlements, but fingerprint checks are implemented. The status of the Bidor Immigration depot remains closed as they finalize a report and recommendations for its future.
“The Office of the Chief Government Security Officer (CGSO) and other enforcement agencies have inspected the depot, and their findings will form the basis for our recommendations to the Home Ministry in March. The Bidor incident will serve as a catalyst for improving safety measures across all depots,” Ruslin added.
After the incident, 435 illegal immigrants from the Bidor depot were relocated to six detention depots in various locations such as Machap in Melaka, Lenggeng in Negri Sembilan, and Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur. The authorities are conducting thorough investigations and operations to ensure the safety and security of all detention facilities.
The Immigration Department is dedicated to tracking down the remaining illegal immigrants with the assistance of relevant law enforcement agencies. Efforts are concentrated on areas where Rohingya communities are prevalent, ensuring that the escapees are apprehended and brought back to the detention system.
Ruslin emphasized that the department is committed to addressing the security lapses that led to the escape and will implement stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The safety of detainees and the surrounding communities remains a top priority.
As the hunt for the 30 escapees continues, the authorities are vigilant in their search efforts and are determined to locate and detain these individuals. The Immigration Department is collaborating closely with other agencies to ensure a coordinated and effective operation.
Actions are being taken to enhance the overall security and management of detention depots across the country, learning from the Bidor incident to prevent similar occurrences. The collective focus is on safeguarding the welfare of detainees and maintaining the integrity of immigration processes.
With ongoing operations in place, the Immigration Department remains vigilant in addressing illegal immigration and upholding law and order within the country. Efforts to locate the remaining escapees are ongoing, with a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all individuals under the department’s care.
