KUALA LUMPUR: Police have said the arrest and detention of Noorizwan Zulkefly, who died while receiving treatment at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz on Oct 1, were carried out in accordance with SOP.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said the cause of the 42-year-old's death had yet to be confirmed as police were still waiting for the full report from the chemistry department and the forensic pathologist's official findings.
"The investigation into the custodial death is being handled by Bukit Aman's criminal and custodial death investigation unit, with assistance from its integrity and standards compliance department," he said at a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters.
Fadil said investigators were examining all available evidence to determine whether there had been any misconduct or breach of SOP.
He said all arrests and detentions must follow established procedures, including bringing suspects before a magistrate for remand applications.
"If a detainee is found to be unwell, they must be taken to hospital immediately in accordance with established procedures," he said.
Fadil said Noorizwan was taken to hospital on Oct 1 after he was found to be unwell.
He urged the public to allow police to complete their investigations and avoid speculation or spreading unverified information that could cause confusion.
Previously, N Surendran from Lawyers for Liberty (LFL), representing Noorizwan's family, called for his death to be investigated as murder following allegations that he had sustained serious injuries.
On Oct 7, Surendran claimed the family had been informed of injuries to several parts of Noorizwan's body, including his head and ribs.
He also questioned why the family had only been informed of his death nearly 18 hours later.
Three recent cases
Fadil said Noorizwan had been linked to three recent cases, one involving drugs and two involving criminal offences.
He said Noorizwan was first arrested in connection with a drug case investigated under Sections 39A(1) and 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act.
The investigation papers were referred to the deputy public prosecutor on Sept 22, but the case was classified as requiring no further action (NFA) after it was determined that Noorizwan did not have control or possession of the seized drugs.
In the second case, Noorizwan was investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code for housebreaking and instructions had been issued to charge him.
However, the case was classified as NFA on Oct 6 following his death.
The third case involved the alleged theft of a Buddha statue, investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code. It was also classified as NFA on Oct 8 because Noorizwan had died.
Fadil said checks showed Noorizwan had nearly 60 criminal records, including 44 previous records, namely 18 drug-related and 26 involving other offences.
He said they also found 17 housebreaking and theft cases in the Cheras area believed to be linked to him.