Doors close on ISA detention centre

TAIPING- The Kamunting Detention Centre marked the end of an era yesterday when it bade farewell to the final six people who were detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

The six had been detained on Nov 14, 2011 for their involvement with terrorist group Darul Islamiah Sabah.

They were Malaysians, Adzmi Pindatun, Mohd Nazri Dollah and Bakar Baba, Indonesians Muhammad Adnan Umar and Darto Bandu, and Philippine national Muadz Hakim.

The centre's director, prisons assistant commissioner Mohd Roslan Ramli had a brief word with the six upon their release to reassure them that they were free.

"You have nothing to worry about; all of you are now free," he told them.

The six were released without fanfare at 8.30am. Clad in normal attire and carrying bags and boxes of their personal items, the freed men appeared in good spirits. After stepping out of the centre's main entrance, they stopped to chat with several officers and staff members and even posed for photographs.

They were later taken by police van to Kuala Lumpur.

Despite the low key atmosphere, there was a heavy police presence at the camp. At least 100 personnel, including those in plainclothes, were stationed outside the centre.

District police chief Assistant Commissioner Yusof Mohd Diah said this was not unusual as it was standard practice whenever detainees are taken in or released.

"It is normal procedure each time new detainees are brought in or released from the camp," he said, adding his men had been on standby since 7.30am to avoid untoward incidents.

The policemen eventually stood down about 10am after ascertaining that the situation was clear.