KUALA LUMPUR: The Prisons Department will fully cooperate with relevant authorities in studying the findings of Suhakam’s public inquiry into the Taiping Prison riot last year.
The department, in a statement, said it views every finding, recommendation and issue in the report with the utmost seriousness, including allegations involving prison management and staff.
“We will cooperate fully to examine the report thoroughly, in detail and with integrity, to ensure every issue raised receives proper attention.
“The department remains committed to safety, welfare, rehabilitation and human rights compliance, in line with legal provisions and established prison management standards,” it said.
The department also urged all parties to refrain from speculation or making premature conclusions that could affect the process and further action by authorities.
On May 25, Suhakam’s public inquiry panel released its final findings on the Jan 17, 2025, Taiping Prison riot, which resulted in an elderly inmate’s death.
Its findings included confirming human rights violations against detainees related to the incident.
It said this comprised excessive physical violence, the abuse of weapons and security equipment by prison staff members, negligence among senior officers and serious overcrowding matters, among others.
Suhakam further proposed that disciplinary action be taken against the Taiping Prison’s staff members and management, while urging the police to conduct a separate investigation into acts of violence committed by prison staff members against the detainees.
The panel suggested turning Taiping Prison into a museum, saying it is no longer fit for use as a prison.
