SEREMBAN, Aug 31 ― A suspected car-jacker who was leaving a magistrate's court here yesterday after his remand request was heard, broke free from his handcuffs and escaped from police custody.

Seremban police chief, ACP Mohamad Zaki Harun said Bahtiar Ramli, 32, got onto a motorcycle ridden by a friend who was waiting near the court premises and fled about 11.50am.

In a statement here today, he said the man, who was wearing a black t-shirt at the time of his escape during a downpour, was earlier nabbed for car theft.

"A review of the suspect's criminal records showed he was often arrested for drugs,” he added.

Mohamad Zaki urged those who knew Bahtiar's whereabouts to contact the Seremban police headquarters or the nearest police station. ― Bernama