The police have taken action against four of their own personnel in relations death of detainees in police custody.

"Based on police records, until now only four police personnel have been subjected to disciplinary action for failing to take immediate measures resulting in custodial deaths," said Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid ( left ) said this is his written parliamentary reply to Thomas Su (DAP-Ipoh Timor). However, Zahid did not state a time frame when action was taken against the four police personnel.

Zahid added that this figure does not include police personnel who are currently facing trial.

"These (disciplinary) actions is separate from the cases that have been brought to courts to be charged for the offence of (causing) death in custody," Zahid added.

The Bagan Datoh MP also reiterated that the government does not tolerate any abuse of power which results in such deaths and will take stern action on offenders.

" The ministry views seriously and is always committed in preventing death in police custody or other enforcement agencies.

"The ministry will not ever compromise and protect any police officers or enforcement officers who have been suspected to use violence to cause injury or death while in custody," Zahid said.

According to human rights watchdog Suaram, there has been six custodial deaths this year alone.

The group had also reported that there were at least 220 custodial death cases between 2000 and May 2013.