Over the past 16 years, 269 people have died in custody and — according to the government — 220 of these fatalities were caused by illness.
The Star Online reports that figures released by the Home Ministry in Parliament yesterday also showed that 36 inmates had died of AIDS, heart attacks and asthma between the year 2000 and last month.
In its written reply to DAP member of parliament M. Kulasegaran, the Home Ministry stated that 158 inmates died from illnesses related to the intestines, liver, lungs and throat, as well as yellow fever and ulcers.
“Fourteen deaths in custody are still in the inquest process, while investigations are ongoing for another 15 cases.”
Twelve people died in custody last year, while the most number of deaths happened in 2003, at 32.
Last month, the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) suggested that existing laws be amended to make police responsible for custodial deaths or any injury sustained by a detainee.
Its chairman Datuk Yaacob Md Sam was quoted as saying in a report by the Malay Mail Online, that police officers should have the “burden of proof” placed on them until proven otherwise to prevent deaths in custody.
He cited the May 2013 death of inmate N. Dharmendran, who was found to have been tortured and beaten to death in police custody. Dharmendran, 31, had been arrested for attempted murder.
This suggestion followed the EAIC’s finding that N. Dharmendran had died due to the use of physical force by the police.
