KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman is investigating possible misconduct or breach of standard operating procedures (SOP) in the death of a detainee at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) on Oct 1, says Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus.
He said the investigation was being conducted by the Criminal and Custodial Death Investigation Unit (USJKT) with the cooperation of Bukit Aman’s Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS).
“The investigation is being conducted by Bukit Aman, including with the cooperation of JIPS, to determine the cause of death and whether there was any misconduct or breach of SOP.
“Let the investigation proceed first. We are still waiting for the results. There should be no speculation,” he said at a press conference on Thursday (Oct 15).
Comm Fadil said the cause of death of the local man in his 40s at the hospital under Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia had yet to be finalised, as police were awaiting the full report from the Chemistry Department and the pathology findings.
“The deceased died while receiving treatment at HCTM at about 1.52am on Oct 1,” he said.
He urged the public to refrain from making statements or spreading unverified information that could cause confusion and anxiety.
“Give the police space to complete the investigation thoroughly and carefully, taking into account all angles and the necessary evidence,” he said.
Meanwhile, Comm Fadil said police records showed that the deceased had 44 previous criminal records, comprising 18 drug-related records and 26 other criminal records.
Police had also identified 17 additional cases involving housebreaking and theft in the Cheras area linked to the deceased, based on intelligence and admissions, bringing the total number of cases associated with him to 60.
Comm Fadil said there had been three arrests involving the deceased, one related to a drug case and two involving criminal investigations.
“The drug case, investigated under Sections 39A(1) and 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act, was referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor on Sept 22.
“However, it was classified as no further action (NFA) after investigations found that the deceased had no control or possession of the drugs seized,” he said.
The second case involved housebreaking under Section 457 of the Penal Code, with a fingerprint match at the scene, and the investigation paper was referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor on Oct 1.
“Instructions were initially given to charge the suspect under Section 448 of the Penal Code. However, the case was subsequently classified as NFA on Oct 6 following his death,” he added.
The third case involved the alleged theft of a Buddha statue and was investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code. The investigation paper was referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor on Oct 8, before the case was classified as NFA following the deceased’s death.
Comm Fadil urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist police with the ongoing investigation.
