SUHAKAM’s investigation found that the deceased’s cause of death
was as above. The autopsy did not show any signs of injury that could
have contributed to the death. SUHAKAM recommended several
actions to improve the treatment of detainees at the depot. The
recommendations are as follows:
i. It is challenging to maintain physical distancing between detainees
when there is overcrowding in prisons and the immigration depots.
If this is not resolved immediately, it will contribute to the spread of
the COVID-19 virus and cause other health-related issues that may
lead to death.
ii. The Prisons and Immigration Depot management should ensure that
there is adequate water supply for detainees to clean themselves,
and sufficient soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste are provided for
each detainee to ensure that they can practice good hygiene
and cleanliness.
6. CHAIN REMAND
Following the roundtable discussion on chain remand arrests organised by
SUHAKAM in 2019 and the recommendations submitted, SUHAKAM met the
Malaysian Bar Council, the National Legal Aid Foundation and academics
to streamline and strengthen the recommendations. Subsequently,
SUHAKAM submitted the recommendations to the Judiciary, PDRM and
the Bar Council’s Legal Aid Centre. SUHAKAM hopes the government will
consider these comprehensive recommendations and amend the relevant
legislation relating to arrests and investigations procedures.
7. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON ADDRESSING SCABIES AT DETENTION CENTRES
During our periodic visits, SUHAKAM found most detention centres in
Malaysia have a severe scabies problem. It appears that this highly
infectious skin disease is difficult to treat and may affect the routine
activities of detainees and the staff at the detention centres. In line with
international standards such as the Nelson Mandela Rules, the provision of
healthcare for detainees is the state’s responsibility and the same ethical
and professional standards govern the relationship between healthcare
professionals and detainees as that applicable in the community.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2020