Despite initial denials, police chief Ismail Omar today said that police will investigate the claims that investigating officers had “tortured” detainees now held under the Internal Security Act, during remand.

“Oh yes, we will investigate... If there is a complaint, we will investigate,” he told reporters in Puchong today.

NONE Ismail ( at podium ) added that those held under the ISA have access to regular medical check ups and facilities.

“They are not deprived,” he said.

Malaysiakini last month reported that notes smuggled out of the Kamunting detention camp allege that the detainees had suffered harrowing torture while under police care, prior to being transferred to the camp.

Police spokesperson Ramli Yoosuf had, however, dismissed the claims as “baseless” and “malicious”.

Of those mentioned in the notes, one detainee - Iraqi Sami Hammad - has come forward to admit to his lawyer that he was tortured to the brink of attempting suicide during the remand period.

The Iraqi embassy said that it is following up on the matter with the Malaysian government through “official channels”.

There are 45 people still held under the ISA, 25 of whom are foreigners.

The Security Offences and Safety Measures Act 2012, which is to replace the ISA, was gazetted on June 22 but has yet to come into force.

Meanwhile, the Puchong police station was today named the best out of 474 police stations in Category A of the Balai League Table, walking away with RM88,000 in cash.

The Balai League Table is an incentive programme where police stations across the nation compete in terms of efficiency and crime rate.

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