Police are awaiting medical reports on detainees who claimed they were assaulted earlier this month at the Kamunting detention camp in Perak, where they are being held under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

An investigation officer at the Taiping police station said statements from detainees and prison security personnel have been recorded.

"We went to the Kamunting camp several times. We are waiting for medical reports from the doctor who treated the injured detainees," the officer told malaysiakini on condition of anonymity today.

He said it was uncertain when the medical reports would be submitted and also that no time frame has been given to the police to complete investigations.

The officer said prison security personnel who were interviewed by the police have denied they beat up the detainees.

"They admitted that a spot check was carried out and that there was a scuffle, but they denied they had beaten up the detainees with force," said the officer.

No obvious injuries

The detainees, when interviewed, had complained about their injuries.

"We can't see obvious injuries, but they complained of pain. So, we have to wait for the medical reports," he added.

Taiping police station chief Mohd Amin Abdullah could not be reached today for comment.

At least six police reports were lodged at the station over the alleged incidents and subsequent denial of medical treatment to those injured.

The latest police report was lodged last Saturday by detainee Mat Sah Mohd Satray's wife, Norlaila Othman, after she visited her husband.

She said she was shocked to find out that her husband had been assaulted, as Mat Sah had not been identified as being among earlier complainants.

When contacted, Norlaila said her husband had complained of pain due to injuries sustained last Thursday and that he had been sent for a check-up at the Taiping hospital.

"Doctor told him that an X-ray showed that his left rib is fractured. The x-ray has been sent to the orthopaedics unit for further examination," she said.

"I am worried about my husband and the other ISA detainees. How can we be sure that their lives are not threatened?" she asked.

Assault claims

A group of 12 detainees at the camp claimed to have been assaulted during a 'spot check' on Dec 8. The next day, eight others made a similar claim.

The detainees alleged that they were handcuffed and beaten up by prison security personnel armed with batons and shields. They also said their hair and beard were shaved off.

The internal security ministry's version was that the incident occurred after the detainees prevented some 70 officers from conducting the spot check , during which "weapons" were found. The detainees were then said to have retaliated.

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia commissioners Prof Hamdan Adnan and N Siva Subramaniam visited the camp following the assaults. Hamdan said the commission would wait for the police findings before deciding whether to launch a probe.