The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) today denounced the overcrowded condition of a police lock-up in Kuala Lumpur.

"The cells in the Dang Wangi lockup can only maintain 38 prisoners, but (even) under normal circumstances there are 100 prisoners a day," said Suhakam commissioner Lee Lam Thye.

"It is the wish of Suhakam to discuss this issue and perhaps deal with this weakness. For the time being, there is no serious complaint but there is definitely room for improvement," he told reporters after visiting the cells at 11.30am.

The Suhakam visit, empowered under Section 4(2)(d) of the Suhakam Act, was the first of its kind.

"Commissioner Hamdan Adnan, Suhakam secretary Kamaruddin Mohd Baria and I went into the lockup. Other than water shortage, there were no serious complaints," Lee said.

Lee said he chose the lockup on Jalan Stadium for its location in the city centre.

He added that 80 percent of the inmates consisted of drug addicts.

The lockup only accommodates male detainees.

Security risk

Commissioner Hamdan added that the problem of overcrowding would also pose a security risk to the police officers on duty.

"During the inspection of the cells, we see the problems of the police as well. If the problem of overpopulation of the cells continues, the risks to the police officers are relatively high," he added.

When asked if Suhakam could visit detention centres without having to announce its intention, Hamdan replied that "in accordance with procedures we still write to the authorities telling them of our visits".

"However, we would like to set up a culture of surprise visits," he added.

District police chief, Mohd Bakri Zinin, said his officers have nothing to hide.

"We have nothing to hide. We need to highlight these problems as well," Bakri said.

Lee added that the true solution lay in crime prevention which is the responsibility of all.

"We have 27 drug rehabilitation centres but even they are not able to accommodate all cases. The long-term solution lies not in treatment or building more prisons but in crime prevention which is the responsibility of everyone."