An inquiry board has been established by the Prisons Department to investigate a scuffle involving guards and prisoners which broke out in the Sungai Buloh prison yesterday.

In a statement to Bernama today, the Home Ministry said that the probe into the scuffle will be very detailed.

"The Home Ministry admits that the scuffle did take place and it started with five inmates attacking another inmate. The scuffle was joined by 18 other inmates," read the statement.

The statement added that a prison guard, Inspector Awang Sharin, suffered injuries to his hands while trying to break up the fight.

"Awang and inmates who were involved and injured have been given medical attention," added the statement.

The statement concluded by stating that the Prison Department will take action against those breaching prison laws and that the situation in Sungai Buloh prison was under control.

According to MIC Youth, the incident took place between 2pm to 5pm yesterday which saw 20 inmates suffering injuries, allegedly at the hands of the prison guards.

Human rights group Suaram however claimed at least six people have been warded for serious injuries at the Sungai Buloh hospital. This however cannot be independently verified.

Currently, information about the incident is scarce. Family members have tried in vain to see the injured and attempts to contact Sungai Buloh prison for comments have been futile.