COMMENT | When we read newspaper reports about deaths, alleged suicides, beatings or rapes in police or MACC custody, we are filled with rage at the following pathetic excuses:

• The video recorder had no tape.
• The CCTV had been removed for maintenance.
• The CCTV was pointing in the wrong direction.
• In some locations in northern Perak, bird droppings covered the CCTVs.

Last week's newspaper report about the rape of an underage girl in the Miri police station is the latest tale of police incompetence and irresponsibility. PDRM failed to protect the public. It allegedly facilitated a despicable crime under its roof.

Both the 16-year-old and her rapist were in police custody at the Miri central police station in Sarawak. She had been picked up from work, the day before, for her alleged involvement in illegal gambling activities.

Doesn't Malaysia have a young offenders detention centre where juveniles can be separated from hardened criminals?

Although her cell was locked and separate from the cell holding around 12 male detainees, she alleged that the cell holding the males was unlocked.

Sarawak police commissioner, Aidi Ismail, has ordered an internal investigation into the CCTVs at the Miri police station, which he admitted could not record and had to be monitored by personnel on duty.

Is that it?

The police appear to ...