Police are searching for a 25-year-old male inmate who is believed to have escaped from the Bukit Chabang Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN), with immediate measures taken to safeguard public safety.
Padang Besar deputy police chief Superintendent Sarih Salleh said police received a report regarding the inmate’s disappearance at about 12.07am last night. The report was lodged after PUSPEN officers discovered that the inmate was missing during a roll call conducted at 4.15pm yesterday.
According to Sarih, the centre had earlier held a Family Visiting Day from 3.30pm to 4pm. However, a subsequent inspection failed to locate the inmate, who is believed to have escaped during that time.
Following the incident, the Padang Besar district police headquarters launched Op Tutup, deploying two officers and 22 personnel, and setting up three roadblocks around the district to tighten security and restrict the suspect’s movement.
Sarih said the inmate, who is from Kampung Kubang Pangas, Mukim Kubang Rotan, Alor Setar, Kedah, had previously been convicted under Section 6(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. He was ordered by the Alor Setar Magistrate’s Court to undergo two years of treatment and rehabilitation at Bukit Chabang PUSPEN from July 8, 2025, to July 8, 2027.
The case is being investigated under Sections 223 and 224 of the Penal Code.
Members of the public with information related to the case are urged to contact the Padang Besar District Police Headquarters or investigating officer Inspector Muhammad Aziq Alias at 019-691 5959 to assist in the investigation.
