Latest custodial death was from Covid-19, say cops

 

The man who died while being held in custody in Kota Tinggi had been awaiting trial on a drug charge. (Reuters pic)

PETALING JAYA: Covid-19 was the cause of death of a 43-year-old man in Kota Tinggi, Johor who died while in custody, police said today.

Bukit Aman’s integrity and standards compliance department said the man died of Covid-19 and the infection had caused kidney and lung failure.

He had been warded since Feb 16 at Kota Tinggi Hospital with fever and vomiting.

The man, who was arrested on Jan 21, was awaiting trial after being charged under the Dangerous Drugs Act. He was being held temporarily at a police lock-up after a Covid-19 outbreak in prison.

The case is the ninth death in custody this year. According to the police, only one out of the nine deaths involved criminal elements.

Of the other eight cases, four died in lock-ups, three died in hospital, and one died en route to the hospital. - FMT