The Malaysian Prisons Department has firmly denied allegations of any breach of standard operating procedures (SOP) during a prisoner escort operation to court today, stressing that all actions taken by officers were based on operational safety, on-ground assessments and current situational needs.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department said it was aware of a viral video circulating online which claimed that SOP violations had occurred involving departmental vehicles during the escort operation.
The department clarified that the convoy movement involved transfers from Kajang Prison to several court locations and hospitals around the Klang Valley, using two buses and a lead van as part of the escort formation.
It added that throughout the journey, the convoy travelled in an orderly manner with the use of warning lights and sirens to ensure safety and compliance with established procedures. The spacing between vehicles was also maintained consistently and was not disrupted at any point.
However, the department confirmed that a technical fault occurred involving one of the buses shortly after the convoy departed, rendering it unable to continue the journey.
Authorities said the escorting officers decided to proceed with the main convoy to ensure that the prisoners reached their court destinations on schedule and that ongoing legal proceedings were not delayed.
The department also explained that the convoy’s movement included a planned split in routes, where the lead vehicle proceeded to the hospital while another escort bus continued towards the designated court location.
It emphasised that all movements were part of a pre-planned operational and logistical arrangement to ensure efficiency and security during transport.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency and strict compliance, the Prisons Department said it will not compromise on any form of procedural non-compliance and will conduct an internal review to assess the operation comprehensively.
Members of the public have also been urged not to speculate or spread unverified information that could undermine the department’s integrity and reputation.
