CHAPTER 1 requesting that they take preventive measures during the pandemic. Subsequently, after studying the guidelines released by international organisations like WHO, UNDOC and Penal Reform International, SUHAKAM sent them a list of recommendations for their consideration and implementation. Besides detention centres, SUHAKAM also submitted the recommendations to the Judiciary and Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), communicating SUHAKAM’s main concern regarding overcrowding at detention centres, especially prisons. We highlighted that overcrowding places detention centres at higher risk. We recommended three ways to reduce the prison population. They could introduce a non-cash bailing system to reduce the number of remand prisoners; release vulnerable prisoners like senior citizens and persons with disabilities who are harmless; impose alternative sentencing for immigration offences and MCO violators. SUHAKAM appreciates measures taken by the Malaysian Prisons Department to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the inmates by establishing satellite prisons. This prison will act as a 14 days quarantine centre for remand and convicted inmates before sending them to prison. There are five satellite prisons, and they are in Kuala Kubu Bharu and Beranang, Selangor; Kuala Kangsar, Perak; A Famosa Malacca; and Bukit Mertajam, Penang. 4. IMPROVING THE CONDITION OF DETENTION CENTRES 4.1 Custodial Medical Unit in Lock-ups SUHAKAM remains committed to working closely with PDRM and MOH to ensure the implementation of a Custodial Medical Unit (CMU) at police lock-ups. SUHAKAM’s hopes the establishment of CMUs would address healthcare problems and deaths in police custody. Hence, SUHAKAM continues to engage PDRM and MOH to establish CMUs at the five centralised lock-ups in the first phase: i. ii. iii. iv. v. Jinjang Lock-up in Kuala Lumpur Shah Alam Lock-up in Selangor Bayan Baru Lock-up in Penang Indera Mahkota Lock-up in Pahang Kepayan Lock-up in Sabah ANNUAL REPORT 2020 37