Malaysia Prisons Department vows transparent review after Suhakam’s report of systemic violence and abuse

“KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — The Malaysia Prisons Department has pledged to conduct a thorough and transparent review of a Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) report that detailed allegations of systemic violence and medical negligence at Taiping Prison. In a statement issued today, the department said it takes “seriously” every finding and recommendation raised by the Suhakam inquiry panel, including allegations implicating prison management and staff. “The Malaysia Prisons Department will render full cooperation to all relevant parties in examining the report thoroughly, in detail, and with integrity, to ensure that every matter raised receives appropriate attention,” the statement read. The department’s response follows the release of the Suhakam report, which painted what a federal minister called a “harrowing” picture of events at the prison in January 2025. The inquiry revealed that excessive physical violence, including the weaponisation of batons and pepper spray against handcuffed detainees, and deliberate falsification of medical records were prevalent. The findings linked these systemic failures to the death of inmate Gan Chin Eng and injuries sustained by over 100 other “prospects” (the department’s official term for inmates). Minister’s intervention The issue gained further momentum yesterday when Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo described the findings as “deeply disturbing” and announced his intention to raise the matter in the Cabinet next week. Gobind has demanded transparency from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney-General (AG), questioning why only one officer has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder (Section 304(b) of the Penal Code) despite the scale of the alleged abuses. Today, the department maintained that it remains committed to ensuring that security, welfare, and rehabilitation efforts comply with human rights standards and established management protocols. However, it also urged the public and stakeholders to exercise restraint. “The department calls upon all parties to refrain from making any speculation or premature conclusions that could undermine the review process and further action by the relevant authorities,” it added.

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