The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has recommended that all detainees be allowed to contact their families or friends immediately upon arrest to inform them of the detention and to make the necessary arrangements.

It also recommended that detainees be allowed to see their families while in custody as provided by the Lock-Up Rules 1953.

In the case of juveniles, Suhakam recommended that every effort be made to immediately contact their parents/guardians, and probation officers to be informed where the parents/guardians cannot be contacted.

"Visits from parents/guardians and the probation officer should also be allowed," read the recommendations in Suhakam's 'Rights of remand prisoners' report released today, which is based on a series of visits to prisons and police lock-ups this year.

It was compiled following complaints of alleged abuses and denial of the rights of persons detained by police.