A prison hospital is urgently required in Malaysia to manage the health needs of an increasing number of inmates suffering from serious and chronic illnesses, a human rights commissioner said today.

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) complaints and inquiry working group chairperson Prof Mohd Hamdan Adnan said this was because none of the country's prisons have in-house doctors.

"Even the country's newest prison complex in Sungai Buloh o­nly has visiting doctors from the Kuala Lumpur Hospital," he said when contacted today.

"It is important to build a specialised hospital for prisoners because it will be equipped with adequate security measures, and the inmates can receive proper treatment without having to suffer."

Hamdan was elaborating o­n a statement issued by Suhakam secretary Kamaruddin Mohamed Baria following a visit by the human rights watchdog to Kajang Prison last Thursday.

"We were made to understand that about 20,000 sick prisoners, including those with HIV/Aids, have passed through the system to date," said Hamdan, who is currently in Sabah as part of a Suhakam delegation.

"Medical attention is necessary for inmates suffering from HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and hepatitis, including those who have been released."

Serious problem

On Suhakam's visit to Kajang Prison, Hamdan said statistics reveal 266 confirmed cases of HIV/Aids among the inmates.

"Up to Jan 23, a total of 1,824 inmates nationwise including 24 females infected with HIV/Aids, were found to be in need of treatment," he said.

The rise in the number of illegal immigrants being imprisoned following stricter enforcement measures from last August has led to an increase in the number of prisoners requiring urgent medical attention.

Suhakam plans to hold a workshop o­n the health needs of prisoners in April, together with the Prisons Department, Health Ministry and Malaysian Aids Council.

The Suhakam statement stated that Kajang Prison has a maximum capacity of 2,500. However, last week's visit revealed a total of 3,609 male inmates, including those under the Treatment and Drug Rehabilitation division, pre-release, young prisoners and juveniles.

"Overcrowding is a serious matter as it gives rise to problems pertaining to security control, food preparation and other needs as required under the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners," Hamdan said.

He stressed that prisoners have a right to be treated as human beings with dignity and not to be tortured or treated in a cruel, inhumane or degrading manner.

The Prisons Department could not be contacted for comment today.

International standards

The Suhakam statement noted that Section 4(2)(e) of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 allows Suhakam to visit detention centres according to stipulated guidelines governing the particular detention centre and to make the necessary recommendations.

"Suhakam will continue to visit places of detention to ensure that problems are resolved and international standards related to refugees and immigrants are complied with," read the statement.

The commission also lauded the government's proposal for a parole system as part of the rehabilitation process for Malaysian prisoners.

"The aim is to create awareness and change in the attitude of prisoners in order to facilitate their re-entry into society, as well as to reduce the number of repeat offenders," it said.

Suhakam will organise a workshop in Malacca o­n March 14 o­n the rights of prisoner, in co-operation with the Malacca Legal Aid Bureau.

Also involved are the Prisons Department, Social Welfare Department, police, the Customs Department and the state Bar committees for Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Johor.

In conjunction with this, an exhibition will be held together with alegal aid clinic and access to Suhakam's complaints and inquiry desk at the Golden Legacy Hotel.

Further details can be obtained from Suhakam at Tel: 03-26125600.