(b) Personal Hygiene The Nelson Mandela Rules requires the detaining authorities to ensure that all persons under their custody are provided with water and toilet articles necessary for health and cleanliness33. CHAPTER 1 The prisoners of Sungai Udang Prison were provided with one-off basic toiletries upon admission. A similar arrangement was in practice at the Pekan Nenas Immigration Centre where the detainees would be provided with basic toiletries upon admission. Subsequent to admission, the inmates have to purchase their own toiletries. The Commission observed that some police lock-ups had also taken the initiative to ensure basic bathing essentials are provided to the inmates, although there were complaints of insufficiency. The Commission further noted the intermittent disruption of water supply to the upper floors of the prison blocks in Sungai Udang Prison. Water is necessary to ensure prisoners’ cleanliness and therefore the Commission urges the relevant authorities and agencies responsible to work together on this issue by ensuring adequate water supply in the locality. (c) Clothing and Bedding Unlike detainees at immigration detention centres, the inmates in prisons and police lock-ups are provided with clothing by the respective authorities. However, the Commission had observed instances where those in police lock-ups were not properly attired, with some inmates only clad in their underwear. With regard to bedding, the Commission observed that the inmates of Sungai Buloh Prison and the detainees at Pekan Nenas Detention Centre were supplied with beddings to be used for sleeping. In contrast, the Commission observed that those detained in Sungai Udang Prison and police lock-ups were not provided with any bedding, except in health related cases with the recommendation of a medical doctor. The Police in denying access to such facilities explained that it was necessary to prevent suicide attempts. Despite this concern, the Commission wishes to point out that Rule 1334 of the Lock-Up Rules 1963 obliges the Police to supply bedding to the inmates. On the issue of suicidal tendencies, the Commission is of the view that in addition to the current reception and registration procedures, an initial risk assessment should be carried out when the suspect is first brought to the 33 Rule 18 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (The Nelson Mandela Rules). 34 Rule 13 of the Lock-Up Rules 1953 states that “Every prisoner shall be supplied with bedding which shall be changed and washed as often as may be necessary but never less than once a month.” SUHAKAM ANNUAL REPORT 2016 67 suhakam 2new.indd 67 3/23/17 5:54 PM

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