KL police chief: Chemistry, pathology reports pending in custodial death case

In Kuala Lumpur, on October 15, police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus revealed that the investigation into the death of a man in police custody is ongoing, awaiting the completion of chemistry and pathology reports. The victim, in his 40s, had yet to have his cause of death determined. The case is being handled by the Bukit Aman Death in Custody Criminal Investigation Unit (USJKT) and the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS).

Fadil emphasized that the investigation was being conducted from multiple angles, taking into account all relevant evidence. He asked the public to be patient and refrain from commenting or speculating on the case, warning that unverified information could cause public concern. According to Fadil, the man had been detained to assist in investigations involving three separate police reports related to drug-related offenses and other crimes.

A record check showed the man had 44 criminal records, including 18 drug-related cases and 26 other criminal offenses. The man had also admitted to involvement in 17 housebreaking and theft cases in the Cheras district. He was detained in accordance with established standard operating procedures and fell ill while in custody, being taken to Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) for further treatment.

The man died at 1:52 am on October 1, while receiving treatment at the hospital. Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) had previously urged the police to investigate the death as a homicide, citing allegations that the man sustained serious injuries.