Three custodial deaths investigated in 2022 so far, says Suhakam

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has launched three investigations into deaths in custody cases so far in 2022.

In a webinar on Friday (Sept 9), Suhakam commissioner Dr John Chew Chee Ming said that they had recommended several improvements following their checks.

"In 2020, 12 cases were investigated, 13 cases in 2021 and so far in 2022 we have investigated three. From our investigations, we found that most deaths are related to health issues.

"We have recommended improvements in health care at places of detention, including upgrading facilities such as clinics, extra allocation of human resources and increasing the number of health care personnel. Suhakam also encourages the people to invite Suhakam to hold briefs during coroner hearings," he said.

He added that overcrowding and lack of monitoring are notable factors that lead to death in custody cases.

The webinar was held in conjunction with Suhakam Day 2022.