Police seeking postponement of case mentions in court due to Covid-19

 

Bukit Aman has issued a directive to all state police headquarters to seek postponement of criminal court cases in their respective states due to Covid-19.

Malaysiakini learned that the circular was sent out a few days ago, after another suspected criminal, who was kept in custody in Selangor, was found positive for the virus when he was taken to Pahang for a case mention at the Kuantan Magistrate Court last week.

Kuantan District police chief Mohamad Noor Yusof, when contacted by Malaysiakini, said that the incident involved a suspect who was held under remand at the Sungai Buloh Prison, before he was taken to Kuantan on Jan 13.

It is learned that the suspect was kept overnight at the Kuantan police centralised lock-up facility, before being taken to the courthouse the next day.

After his court case, the suspect was then sent to a prison in Pahang to be held there.

According to Mohamad Noor, this was when they received a call from the Sungai Buloh Prison informing that the second test on the suspect had come back with a positive result.

"However, the incident so far had not caused the spread of the virus, as we have been applying SOPs where all detainees who just arrived at the lock-up would be put in isolation. This is a precautionary measure.

"Nevertheless, 26 police officers involved in handling the detainee, including those who escorted him to the court, have taken swab tests and placed under quarantine. All of them have tested negative.

"The Kuantan Magistrate’s Court was also informed about the case, and they have immediately taken the necessary measures," Mohamad Noor told Malaysiakini.

It was understood that two courtrooms used as magistrate courts in Kuantan have been ordered to close for 14 days.

Mohamad Noor said that following the incident, he had a discussion with the Pahang Prisons Department director about postponing cases, especially those that involve suspects who are being held in prisons.

"We had a discussion to suggest for postponement of cases so as to limit movement of detainees, especially those being kept in remand prisons, and how to coordinate this.

"I then referred what was discussed to the Pahang police chief, who is supportive of the plan.

"And following this, Bukit Aman has also issued a notice to all police contingents to seek postponement with courts," he added. - Mkini