There is no physical or criminal element found leading to the death of a Syrian male suspect at the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA) here on Nov 12.

Pahang police chief Abd Jalil Hassan said the matter was confirmed by a doctor who conducted an autopsy on the 22-year-old suspect who was detained to assist with investigations into the possession of a fake firearm.

"We are still waiting for the cause of death of the suspect, and for now, we are still awaiting the results from the Chemistry Department on samples taken from the suspect to help identify the cause of death," he said.

Abd Jalil was speaking to reporters after Pahang police contingent's medal award ceremony held in Kuantan today.

He also confirmed that the Syrian embassy and the private institution where the suspect was studying had been informed.

The media previously reported that the suspect was arrested at 4 pm on Nov 2 in Jalan Beserah, but was admitted to the HTAA a day later (Nov 3) after complaining he was unwell.

He was confirmed dead at 5.55 am on Nov 12.

On the medal ceremony, Abd Jalil said the Pahang police contingent was the first to award the Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara to all 1,021 active police personnel and 612 retirees who served during the eras of emergency and communist insurgency.

"The award is to honour the service, sacrifice and dedication of police personnel to the country, and hopefully foster a greater fighting spirit and motivation to serve better in the future," he said.

- Bernama