Manhunt on for Covid-19 patient who fled while being taken to quarantine centre in Likas

KOTA KINABALU: Police are hunting for a man who jumped out of a Health Department vehicle as he was being transported to the Likas Quarantine Centre in Likas.

Kota Kinabalu police chief Asst Comm Mohd Zaidi Abdullah said the suspect, Lo Hin Khiong, 38, was detained by the Penampang police on Friday (July 23) over a trespassing case under Section 457 of the Penal Code.

He was remanded for four days and was released on police bail.

It is learnt he tested positive for Covid-19 while he was in detention and was picked up from the Penampang police station by Health Department personnel on Monday (July 26).

However, as they reached the Likas Sports Complex intersection here, Lo, who was seated in the back passenger seat, opened the door and ran off.

"Accompanying health personnel called out to the suspect to come back, but he continued running and disappeared from sight. They then made a report over the incident," ACP Mohd Zaidi said on Tuesday (July 27).

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 have been asked to come forward and provide information to police or the Health Department," he added.