Sri aman: A male inmate nearing the completion of his sentence made a daring escape from Sri Aman Central Prison early this morning. The prisoner, identified as 38-year-old John Sambang Sangau, managed to flee by climbing a temporary gate behind one of the prison blocks at approximately 7.15 am.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sri Aman police chief, Supt Dennis Bunyam, stated that John escaped through an 'Anti-Climb' project gate located within the prison compound. John had been serving his sentence under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 since October 20 of last year and was due for release on January 24 next year. Initial investigations revealed that John was wearing only a pair of green long trousers at the time of his escape.

The escape was quickly detected by officers on duty who initiated an immediate search but were unable to locate John. Subsequently, a police report was filed by the prison at 8.34 am at the Sri Aman Police Station.

In response to the escape, police have activated 'Op Tutup', which includes setting up roadblocks at KM7 Jalan Sri Aman-Kuching and mobilizing personnel across all police stations within the district to implement 'Op Kesan'. Additionally, assistance has been requested from the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters' Tracker Dog Unit (K9) and the 23rd Battalion of the General Operations Force to aid in tracking down the escapee.