Remand suspects have been barred from contacting their family members and friends, causing unnecessary emotional stress over their sudden disappearance. Personal inconveniences are also wielded on suspects with children and pets. Medical requirements may also not be fulfilled.

On the other hand, family members and friends are kept in the dark by the police on details such as the reason and place of arrest, whether he/she would be remanded, in which court he/she would be produced and the date/time.

These are some of the instances cited in the 'Rights of Remand Prisoners Report' dated December 2001 by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia's (Suhakam) law review reform working group released on Wednesday.

The report, copies of which has been submitted to the Home Ministry, the police, the Federal Court and the Prime Minister's Department for their response, is also available on the Suhakam website .