When will the new unit for custodial deaths begin operations?

Question

Accepted Answer

The new unit for custodial deaths will commence operations on January 1 next year.

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is establishing a dedicated unit, to be known as the Criminal Investigation Unit on Deaths in Custody, to investigate all fatalities involving detainees. This specialised unit will officially begin its operations on January 1 of the upcoming year.
Unit Structure and Mandate
The Criminal Investigation Unit on Deaths in Custody will comprise 12 police personnel and one civilian staff member, and will be led by a police superintendent. This unit will fall under the purview of PDRM’s Integrity and Standards Compliance Department. Its primary focus will be on examining criminal liability, adherence to the duty of care, and compliance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in cases of detainee deaths.
Rationale for Establishment
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin stated that the creation of this unit is intended to enhance the image and integrity of the police force. He also provided statistics on custodial deaths, noting that from 2015 to the present, 82 deaths in lock-ups have been recorded. These victims included 42 Malays, 13 Chinese, 15 Indians, and 12 foreigners, and he denied any racial bias in these incidents.
Proposed Health Checks for Detainees
Discussions are underway between the Home Ministry and the Finance Ministry to secure funding for preliminary health checks for individuals in police custody at private clinics before they are admitted to lock-ups. Currently, detainees are examined solely by Health Ministry medical officers, which can lead to delays due to the high volume of individuals requiring assessment.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

When will the new unit for custodial deaths begin operations?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends