TANAH MERAH (Bernama): Eight Thai men escaped from the Tanah Merah Immigration Detention Centre here on Sunday (June 27) after apparently cutting through the perimeter fence.

       Tanah Merah district police chief DSP Zainuddin Md Yusuf said Immigration officers at the depot only realised the detainees had fled upon checking their cell at about 5.40am.

       "The officers suspected something amiss and went to check the cell. They discovered that eight detainees were missing,” he said when contacted.

       The escapees were identified as Muhamad Rafi Abdullah, 24; Rosman Deraman, 50; Sufaizol, 24; Lukman Dueloh, 25; Faramih Yahikoh, 34; Muhammad Firdao Malaseng, 26; Mohd Ibrahim Awang The, 42; and Mohd Ridzuan Che Soh, 33.

       DSP Zainuddin said Immigration officers found that part of the perimeter fence had been cut and the detainees are believed to have escaped through the opening.

       "Police have launched a hunt for the escapees with the help of Immigration officers and Rela members,” he added. – Bernama