There is no need to revamp the Penang police contingent following the death of a Special Branch member, who allegedly fell from a hotel building in Pulau Tikus on Monday.

Penang police chief commissioner A. Thaiveegan said it was an isolated case and that police would continue to probe into the incident, which claimed the life of corporal Sofian Shahari, 47.

“I think there is no need to revamp the Penang police contingent because we are working according to the standard operating procedure (SOP), although some may need to fine-tune their SOP,” he said, adding that the case had been classified as “sudden death” for now.

In the 4.45am incident, Sofian, who was attached with the Northeast Police District Headquarters, was found dead by a hotel worker at the parking lot of a hotel.

It is believed that Sofian, who had served the Royal Malaysian Police for more than 19 years, had gone to a karaoke outlet at the hotel to celebrate a colleague’s birthday.

Police found his bag and left sandal on the second floor of the building and traces of a torn curtain on the fourth floor. The victim’s wallet, authority card and mobile phone were also missing.

Five police officers were arrested to assist in the case and preliminary urine tests showed they tested positive for drugs.

“Every member and officer undergoes routine urine tests and there may be some who missed the tests, but we will tighten (the procedure) after this,” he told reporters after a working visit to the Seberang Perai Utara District Police Station today.

Thaiveegan said the five policemen, aged between 40 and 50 and with the ranks of sergeant and corporal, were released on police bail after having their statements recorded.

“We have also identified a few others whom we believe can assist in this case and we will call them soon to record their statements,” he said.

– Bernama