SINGAPORE : A massive police operation is underway in Singapore after the leader of the Jemaah Islamiyah network here, Mas Selamat Kastari, escaped from detention at 4.05pm on Wednesday. (*reported time: 27 February 2008 2045 hrs *)

A statement from the Home Affairs Ministry says Mas Selamat walks with a limp and is presently at large.

He is not known to be armed and is one of Singapore's most wanted men.

Extensive police resources have been deployed to track him down after he escaped from the Whitley Road Detention Centre.

Anyone with information about him can contact the police at 999.

Mas Selamat was arrested by the Indonesian police on Bintan island in January 2006.

He was picked up then for using a fake identity card.

Based on investigations then, Indonesia's elite anti-terror police discovered he was the leader of the Singapore Jemaah Islamiyah network, a terrorist organisation.

They then deported the man to Singapore in 2006.

The 45-year-old father of four was also said to be involved in JI's plans to mount attacks against foreign and local establishments here.

These included the US Embassy and American Club, the Defence Ministry headquarters at Bukit Gombak and the Education Ministry building at North Buona Vista Drive.

Mas Selamat fled Singapore in December 2001 following an Internal Security Department operation against the terrorist organisation.

The militant leader had been on the run after Singapore authorities discovered plans to crash seven truck filled with bombs at various locations around the island.

Investigations also revealed that he was the mastermind behind a plan to hijack an airplane and crash it into Changi airport.

When he was last arrested in Indonesia, officers found literature on bomb making on the man.

Mas Selamat's deportation to Singapore two years ago was seen as a significant development in the close network of cooperation amongst intelligence officers in the region to share information on terror suspects and to defeat the terror threat.

The islandwide manhunt has fanned out to areas in Beauty World in Upper Bukit Timah and Goldhill Avenue near Barker Road.

Officers are also knocking on homes asking residents if they have seen the escapee.

Police have also formed a formidable blockade around Malcolm Park, near the Singapore Chinese Girls' School. - CNA/ch

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Remember this face (*i know very hard because he got a normal looking face i expect to see selling karipok*) and yes, inform the police. Honestly, I don't understand why there's so little news on teevee when he sound like a really dangerous man. Like i didn't know until my dad called or something. Like how are we able to help inform them when there isn't much on news?! Like really totally omg! And the problem is, how is it possible for a man like him to escape? I still don't understand, so perhaps someone fill me in with details and explain? Because he is limp right? So how? And why isn't he under surveillance? I thought he is one of the most wanted man?

But i still seriously think they should like make this known to the country and yes, let everyone be alert because if i were to see him on the streets, i wouldn't even recognize him lor! Gosh! This matter might cause a huge problem! Perhaps citizens losing trust in whatever security bodies in singapore already. And that reminds me of the police that made a mistaken identity. Oh wells. Are we really slacking on security issues? And the thing is, he escaped at 4.05 and what is the time now, 12.11am! He might most probably be out of singapore already! Dread what is to come already!

Imagine what will happen for the F1 race, IR thing and the Youth Olympic too. I just wonder who still have faith in the security in Singapore. Security seems to be slacking so much. And the worst thing is, no one is coming out to say something. Like really. That will leave everyone having IMAGINATION (*read me! becox nut's really timid*). Who knows what plans he have for singapore again lor. *shivers* I am so going to be double paranoid taking the train or any public transport tomorrow! Would really appreciate someone standing up to make matters known and to at least say something. Rather then giving us the shit that extensive search is going on and telling us who he is. Like really HOW DID HE ESCAPE WHEN HE IS A LIMP and stuffs like that.

Oh craps! Singapore~ *reading HWZ forum makes my day !*