The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) has denied viral claims that four inmates who escaped from the Perlop Narcotic Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN) in Perak were roaming around Bandar Baru Bangi and posing a danger to the public.
AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said all four escapees had already been recaptured in the Sungai Siput district with the assistance of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and local villagers.
He said the escape took place last Friday and involved four inmates from PUSPEN Perlop.
Following the incident, messages circulated on social media claiming the escapees had travelled to Bandar Baru Bangi and were dangerous, causing unnecessary alarm among residents.
“Those claims are false. The four inmates remained within the Sungai Siput district before they were successfully recaptured,” Ruslin said in a statement on Thursday.
He said AADK has launched a comprehensive internal investigation to determine the cause of the escape, including whether there was any negligence or failure to comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Ruslin added that disciplinary and legal action would be taken if investigations reveal any negligence by staff involved.
He also urged the public not to spread unverified information, warning that doing so could create unnecessary public anxiety.
“Legal action may be taken against anyone who spreads false information under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, as well as other relevant laws,” he said.
