The government will implement a centralised lock-up system where interrogations of suspects will take place in order to curb the incidences of lock-up death.

It will also set up permanent coroner's court in every state to deal with cases of deaths in custody.

Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that this is because all central lock-ups, which will be set-up, will be equipped with CCTVs to monitor any untoward behaviour by interrogators.

"The lock-ups in police stations will not be used for interrogations," he said at a press conference after the cabinet meeting.

He said that every state capital will have a central lock-up, but bigger states will have central lock-ups in certain districts.

"These are issues raised by the society and our immediate action is due to our concern and sensitivity," he said in a joint press conference with de facto Law Minister Nancy Shukri and de facto Integrity and Governance Minister Paul Low.

He said that some of the central lock-ups will be at existing buildings and the total budget for the exercise is expected to be around RM25 million.

Coroner's court in S'gor, FT first

Meanwhile, Nancy said that the courts will be set up "as soon as possible" as it does not require changes in the law and is more an administrative matter.

"Selangor and Federal Territories will be a priority as these issues are a problem in these states," she said.

Asked if Penang will also be prioritised, following the multiple number of cases there, she said it could be done if required.

NONE Nancy ( right ) said that the coroner will be appointed among magistrates with the rank Jusa C, and will be assisted by a medical forensic expert.

She said the court registrar will work with the Health Ministry in selecting and appointing the forensic expert.

On a separate matter, she told Malaysiakini that the cabinet had today discussed the matter of conversion of children by only one parent.

In 2009, the government had agreed to amend laws to stop parents from converting their children to a different religion without the consent of the other parent.

However, no changes have been made thus far, resulting in such cases still taking place, like in Negri Sembilan where a woman found her children - both minors - converted to Islam by her estranged husband.

"We did discuss this but we need to look into it further as it deals with the constitution and the definition of a parent," she said.

Related stories

EAIC 'may be' empowered to prosecute

MP contests appointment of five to cabinet

EAIC not a rose by any other name