The Prisons Department has confirmed that police are investigating the death of an inmate at Temiang Prison in Negeri Sembilan, as well as allegations involving the alleged mistreatment of another prisoner.
In a statement today, the department said it would await the outcome of the police investigation before providing further comments on the matters raised.
“The Prisons Department has taken note of the statement issued by Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) regarding allegations involving the death of an inmate at a prison institution and claims of improper treatment involving another inmate.
“The issues raised are currently under police investigation,” it said.
Previously, human rights group Suaram claimed that a 69-year-old inmate at Temiang Prison in Seremban died on June 22 while serving a two-month prison sentence. The death was reportedly linked to a serious medical condition.
Suaram also highlighted another case involving an inmate at Simpang Renggam Prison in Johor, where the prisoner’s family alleged that the individual was assaulted by a prison officer on June 4.
The Prisons Department said it would provide full cooperation to the police to ensure all facts surrounding the cases are established.
The department added that it remains committed to ensuring all inmates receive treatment in accordance with existing laws, regulations, standard operating procedures and good governance principles.
The issue comes after the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) reported in May that alleged systemic failures and inaction by senior prison authorities had contributed to violations and the death of a 61-year-old detainee, Gan Chin Eng, during a transfer operation in January 2025.
Suhakam’s 2024 annual report also highlighted alleged human rights concerns at Kajang Women’s Prison and the Bukit Jalil Immigration Depot, including claims of abuse, degrading treatment and medical negligence.
