Foreigner rams roadblock to escape arrest in Lahad Datu

KOTA KINABALU: A man attempted to flee from the authorities by ramming into a police roadblock in Sabah’s east coast Lahad Datu district early Saturday (Feb 18).

It was believed that the man, a 37-year-old foreigner, tried to escape as he had no valid documents to remain in the country.

In his bid to evade arrest, the man caused significant damage to a police motorbike after forcing his way through the roadblock, aimed at crime prevention, at 12.30am at KM12 of the Lahad Datu-Tawau road.

Fortunately, no one was hurt and the suspect was apprehended soon after his car came to a halt following the crash.

But due to his dangerous actions, the suspect could now be facing an extended period behind bars compared with just being punished for having no travel papers.

Lahad Datu OCPD Asst Comm Dr Rohan Shah Ahmad said they were investigating the man for at least five offences.

"(Among others) we are investigating the man under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing public servants from executing their duties and Section 353 of the same Code for using criminal intimidation for the same intention," he said on Saturday.

He said the man faced a two-year jail sentence and fine for each offence.

The suspect, he added, was also being probed under the Police Act for not complying to the authorities’ instructions to stop his car as well as under the Road Transport Act for reckless driving.

"This is on top of the probe under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act for not having a valid pass to enter Malaysia," ACP Rohan said.

He added the suspect may face a maximum five-year jail sentence and fine not exceeding RM10,000 as well as being liable to six strokes of the rotan for the offence under the Act.

"The man will be remanded under Section 117 of the Penal Code to allow further investigations to be carried out," he said.