KOTA KINABALU: The police are hunting for a Covid-19 positive man who fled as he was being transported to the Likas quarantine centre here.
The 38-year-old had been picked up from the Penampang police station by the Health Department personnel.
However, as they reached the Likas Sports Complex traffic intersection here, the man seated at the back of the vehicle opened the door and ran off, Kota Kinabalu city police chief Asst Comm Mohd Zaidi Abdullah said yesterday.
The suspect, he said, was to be sent to the Likas quarantine centre after being released by the Penampang district police.
“As he was fleeing, the accompanying health personnel called out to him to turn back but he ignored them and continued running before he disappeared from their sight.
“They then made a report about the incident,” he said, adding that the incident happened at 5.45pm on Monday.
ACP Mohd Zaidi said the suspect had been detained by the Penampang police on Friday for investigations into a trespassing case.
He was remanded for four days and released on police bail upon being confirmed positive for Covid-19.
Efforts to track down the suspect are underway and investigation papers have been opened under Section 269 of the Penal Code for allegedly acting negligently as his action could lead to the spread of an infectious disease.
“Anyone who has information about the suspect’s whereabouts is encouraged to come forward and provide information to police or the Health Department,” he added.
