Task force to review recommendations on custodial deaths

A special task force on deaths in custody agreed to thoroughly review recommendations proposed by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC).

Its chairperson Prasad Sandosham Abraham said the task force would also recommend improvements in lockups, depots, and detention centres to the government and relevant regulatory entities.

“The special task force will work in stages over six months, involving four phases of action, namely visits to selected lockups, depots, and detention centres, submission of detailed feedback including justifications for the recommendations, preparation of the report, and presentation of the report to the government.

“The report is expected to enhance governance in lockups and detention centres by identifying weaknesses in the system that contribute to deaths in custody.

“It will assist the government in formulating better policies, ensuring accountability of the involved parties, as well as raising public awareness and fostering cooperation between agencies in safeguarding human rights,” he said in a statement.

Prasad is a former Federal Court judge and also the deputy chairperson of the EAIC.

He said the EAIC’s Study Committee Report on Deaths in Custody and the Identification of Preventive Measures was presented to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the National Governance Special Cabinet Committee meeting on May 7, which subsequently decided to establish the special task force.

The task force includes representatives from the Home, Finance, Health, and Works ministries, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC), the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the Public Service Department, Office of the Chief Government Security Officer of Malaysia, Immigration Department, National Anti-Drug Agency, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and the Royal Malaysia Police.

- Bernama

Bukit Aman: Cops probing Orang Asli custodial death from all angles

Beaten to death: Family still waiting for answers after 21 months

Govt, police get leave to appeal RM197,600 damages for death in custody

After 15 years, how many Gen Z know about Teoh Beng Hock?