Padang besar: Police are on the hunt for a male inmate suspected of escaping from the Bukit Chabang Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN), with immediate measures in place to ensure public safety.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Padang Besar district deputy police chief Supt Sarih Salleh reported that a case regarding the 25-year-old man's disappearance was registered at approximately 12.07 am last night. The report followed PUSPEN officials' discovery of the inmate's absence during a roll call at 4.15 pm the previous day.

Sarih noted that before the incident, the center conducted a Family Visiting Day from 3.30 pm to 4 pm. However, a subsequent inspection failed to locate the inmate, leading to the belief that he had escaped.

In response, the Padang Besar district police headquarters initiated Op Tutup, deploying two officers and 22 personnel, and establishing three roadblocks around the district to tighten security and restrict the escapee's movements.

The inmate, originally from Kampung Kubang Pangas, Mukim Kubang Rotan, Alor Setar, Kedah, had been convicted under Section 6(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The Alor Setar Magistrate's Court mandated him to undergo a two-year treatment and rehabilitation program at Bukit Chabang PUSPEN, scheduled from July 8, 2025, to July 8, 2027.

The case is currently under investigation under Sections 223 and 224 of the Penal Code. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Padang Besar District Police Headquarters or reach out to Inspector Muhammad Aziq Alias at 019-6915959 to aid in the investigation.