3.6 Based on the above time frame, the year 2003 represents the highest no. of cases at 32, whereas the lowest number of cases showed in 2009 which are 7. In 2004, there were 24 cases recorded then the number decreased until 2010 (except in 2007). In 2011, the no. of death increased to 17 cases, 10 cases in 2013 and 16 cases in 2014.71 3.7 Within 15 years (2000-2014), the average deaths in police custody is 17 cases per year. Although the Commission do not have the total no. of detainees detained in the 15 years period, the average death of 17 cases annually is an alarming figure and it is worrying as it is a known fact that the right to life is an essential aspect of human rights. Ethnicity 3.8 Table 5 shows the tabulation of deaths based on ethnic groups. From the total no. of 242 detainees who died in police custody, 100 were Malays, 53 were Chinese, 52 were Indians, 27 were non-citizens whereas 10 people were under ‘others’ category. 3.9 According to Department of Statistics Malaysia, the total population of Malaysia based on 2010 census is 28.3 million people. Out of the total population, the percentages based on ethnicities are 67.4% Malay, Chinese – 24.6%, Indian – 7.3% and 0.7% others. While the percentage of non-citizens is 8.2%. When a comparison is made against the population ratio, it is found that the deaths among Indians and non-citizens are relatively high. 71 In 2014, there were 3 cases recorded until February and a total no. of 16 cases until the end of year 39