The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) wants police to ensure the rights of those detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota).

The enforcement agency watchdog’s chairperson, Yaacob Md Sam, said police must develop a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure the detainee's welfare,

“We expect the police to have a comprehensive SOP […] to ensure the basic rights, the legal rights of the Pota detainees are ensured,” Yaacob said.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting between the police and EAIC on how to improve the police force in Bukit Aman today, Yaacob said the commission is also concerned about arrests under the Sedition Act.

“(Our discussion) on the Sedition Act was whether (certain) arrests are necessary,” he said.

However, he did not elaborate on this matter when asked.

Detention under Pota and the amended Sedition act will be longer than before, that is at least seven days for Sedition offences, and 14 days under Pota.

As such the commission wants police to improve the state of lock-ups and ensure that detainees are given medical care and fed, and reduce the number of deaths in detention.

According to police statistics, there have been 91 deaths in custody from 2010 and 2014, with most of the deaths due to illnesses such as heart attacks and jaundice.

Deputy IGP Noor Rashid Abdullah ( left ) said only one death in those four years had been caused by police misconduct.

“We have already taken action (against the police officer), and I understand the trial is already under way,” he said.

He added that police will also educate officers to remind them on how to take care of the health and welfare of detainees.