Police set up task force to curb sudden death in lockup

Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) has set up a taskforce to improve the security of police lockup detainee.

RMP Bukit Aman Managing Director Datuk Mortadza Nazarene today told police committed to overcome sudden death in police lockup.

“This taskforce led by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and the objective is to prevent sudden death in police lockups,” said Mortadza in a press conference at Bukit Aman Police Headquarters, Kuala Lumpur.

Among the initiative is to establish central lockups at Jinjang, Shah Alam, Kuantan, Penang, and Kota Kinabalu.

“The facilities at the lockup are very good. It can ensure the safety and health of detainees and the officers.

“Central lockup is equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV), intercom, lawyer room, transit room, dining area and etc.

“This is better than police station lockup. That is why we want to implement this,” urged Mortadza.

Mortadza also said RMP will collaborate with Ministry of Health (MOH) in accordance of medical examination to detainees.

“Doctor will make medical examination to detainees before they send to lockup and medical officer will visit the lockup every two days.

“Visitor board and Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) will be given to visit the lockup accompany by lockup officer,” said Mortadza.

Recently, two detainees N Dhamendran, 32, and R Ramesh, 40, died at lockup at Kuala Lumpur and Penang police headquarters.

Last week, police verified that Dhamendran died related to crime when detained at the police lockup.

According to police, Bukit Aman special force is investigating the case and several witnesses have been called for investigation.