Lim Tean, 61, reportedly crossed into M'sia by land before hiding in JB apartment: Shin Min

Singapore lawyer and politician Lim Tean reportedly crossed into Malaysia by land after failing to surrender to serve his jail sentence, according to a tip-off to Shin Min Daily News.

He then hid in a rental apartment in Johor Bahru, where he was subsequently arrested by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) in Johor Bahru on Aug. 6.

The 61-year-old was supposed to begin serving a sentence of three months and one week on Aug. 3 for practising law without a valid practising certificate.

However, he did not surrender as required, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.

His lawyer had earlier said that Lim was uncontactable, while his bailor was also unable to reach him.

Crossed into Malaysia by land

Following news of his arrest, speculation emerged over how Lim had allegedly left Singapore and entered Malaysia.

Some suggested he may have hidden in the boot of a car, while others speculated that he travelled by sea.

However, according to Shin Min Daily News, Lim crossed the Singapore-Malaysia border by land before hiding in the rental apartment in Johor Bahru.

Citing a source, the Chinese-language daily reported that Mohammad Adam Abd Karim, one of two men charged with allegedly conspiring to help Lim leave Singapore illegally, is believed to have rented the apartment where Lim was staying.

An eyewitness told Shin Min that they saw a man collecting the keys to the apartment and claimed that the individual's name matched that of Mohammad Adam.

Refused to open door

According to the source, Lim was supposed to stay at the apartment until Aug. 7 before checking out.

But he was arrested a day earlier.

When Malaysian police arrived at his apartment, Lim allegedly refused to open the door to his apartment for about two hours, and was also unable to produce a passport upon request.

He reportedly appeared dishevelled and haggard when he was arrested.

It was also said that Lim left the apartment only twice a day to pick up his takeaway meals, but was eventually recognised, as the area is frequented by Singaporeans.

Two Singaporeans charged for allegedly helping Lim escape

Earlier on Aug. 8, Mohammad Adam, 44, and Sulaiman Muhammad Firdaus, 37, were charged for allegedly conspiring to make arrangements for Lim to illegally depart Singapore for Malaysia.

They were each handed one count of engaging in a conspiracy to do an act that has a tendency to defeat the course of justice.

Their cases have been adjourned to Aug. 14.

If convicted, they face up to seven years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.