Cells at lock-up overcrowded at time of detainees death

PUTRAJAYA: Lock-up cells were holding more prisoners than they were meant for due to a lack of
proper facilities, said ASP Mazhar Mohamad at the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC)
Hearing investigating the death of 44-year old S.Balamurugan.

Speaking during hearings on Monday, ASP Mazhar said that up to 40 detainees have been kept in
cells meant for eight people at the Shah Alam Central lock-up due to a lack of facilities.

ASP Mazhar, who is in charge of the lock-up, explained that there were two types of cells, one of
which can ideally accommodate four people and one which can hold eight people.

"In Shah Alam, we have a total of 88 cells which should accommodate up to 234 detainees in total,
including women and juveniles. Of the 88 cells, 19 cannot be used as these have problems like piping
and damaged toilets. Some also have other problems like broken lighting systems," he said.

He added that the first floor of the station had a cell for juveniles but it could not be used as it was
damaged.

"Considering our shortage of cells and the number of requests to have people detained here, we just
fill them. We don't have a choice, so we just stuff them all in," he said.

ASP Mazhar also pointed out that the facilities in the enquiry room as well the CCTV cameras for
certain lock ups and other areas were not functional.

"I have been here for five years and we have reported the issue to the logistics department. All we
know is that it will cost RM2mil to fix, but nothing further has happened," said ASP Mazhar.

Asked why Balamurugan was dressed in the purple lock-up outfit, ASP Mazhar said it was because
the lock-up did not have enough orange ones.

The purple lock-up outfit is meant for petty crimes, while the orange one is meant for those who
have committed offences that carry a minimum 25-year jail term.

"The outfits have not been replaced in the five years I have been there. If it tears, the laundry sews
them back. We don't even send them to the tailor," said ASP Mazhar.

Balamurugan died in custody at the North Klang police station in the early hours of Feb 8.
This third session of EAIC hearings is expected to run until July 13.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/07/10/cells-at-lockup-overcrowded-
at-time-of-death/#jT66BTrOKJ53u9AR.99