Govt must respond to Suhakam report on assault on Taiping Prison inmates

THE findings by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) regarding the assault of more than 100 inmates at Taiping Prison in January 2025, which resulted in the death of detainee Gan Chin Eng, 61, are deeply disturbing. The revelations of excessive violence, abuse of power and alleged false police reports are extremely serious and cannot be ignored.

According to Suhakam's inquiry, prison officers allegedly used excessive physical force, including weapons, during the relocation of inmates from Hall B to Block E. CCTV footage and witness testimonies reportedly provided clear evidence of wrongdoing, while prison management also proceeded with the transfer despite allegedly knowing that Block E suffered from structural damage and unsafe living conditions.