Dead detainee suffered multiple external injuries, no internal bleeding

A 42-year-old man who died while under police detention did not suffer any internal injury, says Bukit Aman’s integrity and standard compliance department (JIPS).

In a statement, JIPS director Aida Abdul Hamid said Noorizwan Zulkefly was arrested on Sept 19 in connection with an investigation into drug possession, theft, and a break-in.

On Sept 30, he was referred to Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM for treatment, though Aida did not disclose the reason.

“The deceased received preliminary treatment from doctors and was pronounced dead on Oct 1 at 1.52am.

“Based on the autopsy conducted on the deceased, he did not suffer any internal organ injuries. Nonetheless, there were several external injuries.

“The cause of death is pending laboratory analysis,” she said.

Aida said the case had been classified as sudden death for now while JIPS’s custodial deaths unit is continuing to probe the case.

She added that 78 witnesses had given their statements, including police officers, members of the public, medical officers, forensic experts, the National Legal Aid Foundation, and two of Noorizwan’s next of kin.

The case has also been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Commission.

Noorizwan’s family and their legal team have claimed that a senior forensic pathologist at the hospital had confirmed to them the detainee’s cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.

They also said autopsy logs revealed 21 severe injuries, including generalised brain haemorrhage, internal abdominal bleeding, and extensive swelling from his skull down to the soles of his feet.