GEORGE TOWN: A 28-year-old man was caught after trying to dodge the authorities by swimming from George Town to Butterworth on Monday (July 12).

       The man was arrested when he ran out of steam and officers at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) spotted him drifting in the sea at about 6pm.

       They threw him a lifebuoy from a pontoon and pulled the man back to safety during the incident at about 6pm on July 12.

       He was then handed over to police at the nearest police station.

       George Town OCPD Asst Comm Soffian Santong said the investigation revealed that the man had leapt into the sea from Tanjung City Marina in George Town, about 300m from where he was later rescued

       "He had said he had tried to swim across the channel to see a friend on the other side after failing to obtain a permit to cross district from police as he had no valid reasons for the purpose," said ACP Soffian.

       ACP Soffian added that further checks showed that the man is originally from Bayan Lepas and said that he is believed to be homeless.

       "His mother was contacted. She said her son had long since not returned home and is believed to be homeless. She also noted that he is a hardcore drug addict," said ACP Soffian.

       He added that the man had a broken arm and was taken to the Penang Hospital for treatment, saying that he is currently warded.

       ACP Soffian said that the police will resume investigations once he is discharged from the hospital.