SINCE the Criminal Investigation Unit for Deaths in Custody (USJKT) was established in January last year, the number deaths in police custody decreased by 48% in 2022 compared to 46% in the previous year. 

Deputy Home Minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said of all the death cases that were investigated last year, USJKT found two cases with criminal elements: one involving a case in Taiping, Perak that is now being tried while the other Kelantan case is still under investigation.

In addition, he said six cases have been referred to the Coroner’s Court with four of them amid inquest proceedings while the other two are still pending. 

“USJKT will also present the report findings, investigations, and developments of each custody death in meetings with Suhakam (Human Rights Commission of Malaysia) and EAIC (Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission) which are being held every three months. 

“These meetings are aimed at implementing a system of checks and balances functioning for the investigation on deaths of individuals in police custody and to improve the management of police detainees.” 

He said this when briefing Tan Hong Pin (Bakri-PH) during the Special Chamber session in the Dewan Rakyat today on steps taken by the Home Ministry in managing cases of death in police custody.

Shamsul Anuar said through the establishment of USJKT various improvements to standard operating procedures were implemented, including lock-up inspections, closed circuit television monitoring of lock-ups and so forth. – Bernama, June 12, 2023.