Suhakam urges cops to swiftly complete Taiping prison riot probe

 Commission welcomes minister's assurance the government is prepared to facilitate further investigations based on its inquiry findings and recommendations.

More than 100 inmates at Taiping prison were assaulted by about 60 wardens during a relocation exercise in January 2025, resulting in the death of one detainee. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has called on the police to wrap up their investigations into the Taiping prison riot thoroughly and without delay, taking into account the findings from its public inquiry.

Suhakam welcomed home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s assurance the government is prepared to facilitate further investigations based on its inquiry findings and recommendations.

In a statement, it said Saifuddin’s assurance that “what is wrong is wrong”, and that no wrongdoing would be protected, reflected an important commitment to accountability and the rule of law.

Suhakam said its public inquiry had uncovered serious human rights violations involving detainees, and raised concerns over the conduct of prison personnel, institutional accountability, and safeguards in places of detention.

“In this regard, Suhakam hopes that the police will complete their investigations thoroughly, independently and expeditiously, taking into account the findings and evidence presented during the public inquiry.

“Where sufficient evidence exists, appropriate criminal prosecution should be taken against all individuals found to have committed offences, regardless of rank or position,” it said.

Suhakam also welcomed the prisons department’s commitment to cooperate fully with the authorities and review the inquiry’s findings and recommendations.

It said it would convene an engagement session with relevant agencies to obtain updates and monitor follow-up actions arising from the inquiry.

More than 100 Taiping prison inmates were assaulted by about 60 wardens during a transfer exercise from Hall B to Block E on Jan 17 last year.

One detainee, Gan Chin Eng, died in the incident.

One warden has been charged with culpable homicide over Gan’s death, but Suhakam called for criminal charges to be filed against other wardens involved in the incident following its public inquiry. - FMT