The mother of police detainee Tarmizi Idris, claimed to been abused by the police while being arrested on Monday in Seberang Jaya - has been sent to the Bukit Mertajam Hospital for a check-up.

NONE Zabidah Che Mat, 54, lodged a report claiming that, when she saw her son today, she noticed bruises on several parts of his body.

She urged full medical treatment be provided to her son, and called for an investigation into the alleged physical abuse he had sustained while being held in the police lock-up.

"I saw that there were marks on his face, on his abdomen and on his back. He also has mild fever, and was in pain," said Zabidah, when met about 3.30pm at the Seberang Perai Tengah police headquarters, where Tarmizi has been held.

"I am very worried about him and wants him to get medical treatment immediately,

Zabidah claimed that more than 10 police personnel had come to arrest her son, but that she is still not aware of any offence he may have committed.

Her report was recorded about 2pm and she later gave a statement to an investigating officer identified only as Zulfiqar.

"I don't really understand what the investigating officer was saying. He later made me sign a statement," said Zabidah, who was not accompanied by a lawyer at the time.

Zulfiqar, when met, said he was on the way the hospital to look into Tarmizi's condition and said he would keep Zabidah informed about developments in the case.

Tarmizi, 25, a gardener with Universiti Sains Malaysia, was picked up about 7.30pm at a flat in Siakap, Seberang Jaya, on Monday, and is being investigated by the police narcotics department.

Another detainee abused?

Sean Ho, the coordinator of Suaram Penang, has claimed that Tarmizi is also being probed for resisting arrest and obstructing an officer in the performance of his duties. He has been remanded for seven days.

He claimed that Tarmizi had been arrested with another friend, hotel worker Zafri Bahari, who had also allegedly been abused by several police personnel while in the lock-up.

NONE Ho (left) said he had not been allowed to accompany Zabidah while she was giving her statement.

"However, when she told the police personnel that she had difficulties filing her report, they called me in and let me assist her," he said.

Ho was accompanied by social activist Dr Khim Pa who said it was commendable of the police to have sent Tarmizi speedily to the hospital following his mother's request.

"Both the officer who received Zabidah's report and the investigating officer must be commended for being professional and helpful," he added.

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