PUTRAJAYA: Security and immigration depots nationwide have been beefed-up after some 500 Rohingya detainees escaped from detention.

       Immigration director-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud (pic) said the detention centres have been placed on high alert.

       He said they have also been in communication with police stations nearby so that requestS for assistance could be made should there be any untoward incident.

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       "We are tightening security at other detention centres in case inmates get inspired by today's incident and want to make a similar attempt," he told reporters on Wednesday (April 20).

       Khairul Dzaimee said the detention centre in Sungai Bakap was a temporary facility and was formally a national service training camp.

       "We had rented the facility during the pandemic to place detainees who are tested positive for Covid-19,” he said.

       He added that Rohingya who were placed there were from a camp in Langkawi.

       "When the facility in Langkawi closed down last year, the inmates were transferred to other detention centres including the one in Sungai Bakap.

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       "We have installed grilles at all windows and placed barbed wires around the blocks, as well as the entire premises.

       "These measures are taken to enhance security," he said when asked about claims of lax security at the detention centre.

       Two other national service training camps are being used as temporary detention centres for illegal immigrants - in Bidor, Perak and Beranang, Selangor.

       As of 6.30pm on Wednesday (April 20), 385 escapees were rearrested.

       Khairul Dzaimee said six people - three children, two men and a woman - died when they were hit by a vehicle while attempting to escape.