Death of Simpang Renggam prison inmate being investigated, say cops

JOHOR BARU: The cause of death of a Simpang Renggam prison inmate who died in hospital is still under investigation.

Kluang OCPD Asst Comm Low Hang Sen said police were informed of the man's death at about 2am on Thursday (May 27).

"A post-mortem was conducted by the hospital's forensic department on Friday (May 28) evening.

"The results are pending as several specimens have to be sent to the laboratory to find out the cause of death," he said, adding that the case was currently classified as sudden death.

He added that investigations were ongoing and would be handed over to a deputy public prosecutor for further action.

"We urge the public not to speculate or come to any conclusion as the case is still under investigation," he said.

He noted that the deceased had been in the Simpang Renggam prison since April 26.

"According to investigations, he was sent to Hospital Enche Besar Hannah Kalsom on May 25 for treatment after experiencing fever, cough and vomiting. At about 12.30am on May 27, he was pronounced dead at the hospital ward," he said.

News portal Free Malaysia Today had earlier reported that a 21-year-old who was arrested on a drug charge last year had died at the Kluang hospital on Thursday after he had been moved to the Simpang Renggam prison for less than a month.

It said that the man, Surendran Shanker, was sent to the Muar rehabilitation centre last August and later transferred to the Simpang Renggam prison.