Melaka police have launched a manhunt for a 26-year-old remand prisoner who escaped from the Melaka Hospital while undergoing health checks on Tuesday.

Melaka police chief Datuk Abd Jalil Hassan said the man was bald and attired in purple lock-up clothing.

He said the suspect was arrested for a drug offence and was believed to be still in the state.

"We received a report about his missing at 11.30am. He had asked to go to the toilet and escaped through a window," he told Bernama.

He urged anyone with information on the suspect to contact the nearest police station. -- Bernama