Human rights watchdog Suaram said the cabinet’s decision to resolve overcrowding problems at the notorious Simpang Renggam detention camp does not resolve basic human rights problems stemming from detention without trial.
"Detainees in Simpang Renggam are deprived of their basic human rights to an open and fair trial," said Suaram coordinator E Nalini in a statement yesterday.
She was commenting on the results of a recent visit to the detention camp by a cabinet delegation led by Works Minister S Samy Vellu.
Samy claimed that there were no human rights abuse in the centre but lamented that the lack of water and overcrowding had led to health problems faced by detainees. [READ MORE]
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Warders under probe over drugs
09 Feb 2007 Lee Shi-Ian
KUALA LUMPUR: At least 16 warders at the Simpang Renggam detention centre are being probed for allegedly supplying drugs to inmates.
Out of the 16, at least eight of them have been transferred to other prisons pending further investigations.
The probe follows two police reports that was lodged by the Prisons Department at Johor Baru and the Federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman.
The task force, comprising officers from the Internal Security Ministry, police and Prisons Department, have been keeping the warders under close surveillance for the past three months.
The warders allegedly supply ganja and heroin to inmates at the centre, considered to be some of the most dangerous in the country.
Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow confirmed the probe but declined to go into details.
Prisons Director-General Datuk Mustafa Osman refused to comment but the New Straits Times learnt that the task force is expected to complete its investigations by next week, after which a report would be submitted to the Internal Security Ministry.
Among the action being considered is detaining the suspects under preventive laws.
A source told the NST that investigation was initially focused on four warders but after further undercover operations, it was revealed that more were involved.
The detention centre has about 4,200 inmates being watched over by some 800 warders who are divided into four shifts.
"As investigation unfolded, at least 16 warders were identified as the pushers," the source said.
"It was a lucrative trade for them, as their ‘customers’ could afford to pay them well."
The task force is now trying to ascertain the source of the drugs. They are also trying to find out if the 16 warders operated individually or if they were linked to drug trafficking syndicates.
The source said the task force was putting together the final report of its investigation before submitting it to the ministry for action against the warders.
They are also looking at using the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act, to seize the suspects’ assets.
Overcrowded detention centre to get new barracks
09 Feb 2007
KUALA LUMPUR: The Simpang Renggam detention centre is going to see some much-needed change soon. More barracks, adequate water supply, more doctors and more skill-training equipment are some of the pressing issues which will be addressed.
The government will also look into allegations of abuse of the inmates. Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the Cabinet had agreed to build more barracks for the inmates at the overcrowded detention centre.
"The Prime Minister has also agreed to the construction of a water tank that will supply enough water to the inmates."
Samy Vellu said many of the inmates were suffering from severe skin diseases due to the shortage of water.
"The situation has to be arrested before their skin diseases develop into something more serious," Samy Vellu said.
"There are only two doctors to treat the 4,300 inmates. That has to change, the centre definitely needs more doctors."
The centre, which was designed to accommodate 2,500 inmates, currently houses 4,300 detainees.
"They are stacked up in cells like firewood," said Samy Vellu, who visited the centre on Tuesday.
He was accompanied by Deputy Internal Security Ministers Datuk Fu Ah Kiow and Datuk Johari Baharom.
"We also interviewed several inmates and a detailed report is being prepared.
"We will be visiting the centre again to get details on other needs such as the number of barracks to be built."
Samy Vellu also pointed out that there were rehabilitation programmes at the centre but there were only eight sewing machines and nine woodwork machines.
"How can these inmates become skilled workers once they are released when there are limited facilities," he questioned.
"They should be skilled in different jobs at the end of the day.
"Many of the inmates are youngsters and instead of just idling in the centre, they should pick up some skills."
Samy Vellu visited the centre after receiving complaints of its deplorable condition from relatives of inmates.
Last month, a report by Suhakam stated that the Simpang Renggam detention centre was overcrowded and in a deplorable condition.
There were also allegations that the detainees were assaulted and some had ended up in hospital.
More:
Suhakam trashes Samy’s Simpang Renggam claim
LETTERS: Oh Samy! Face the hard facts!
Detainees suffering from skin diseases
Govt To Ease Overcrowding At Simpang Renggam Detention Centre
Hardcore criminals among those held
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