POLICE have said that a detainee who died in custody did not suffer any internal organ injuries, while the cause of death remains under investigation.
Bukit Aman’s Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) said Noorizwan Zulkefly, 42, who died while under police detention, showed no signs of internal organ injuries during a post-mortem examination, although several external injuries were found.
JIPS director Datuk Aida Abdul Hamid said Noorizwan was arrested on Sept 19 in connection with investigations into alleged drug possession, theft and housebreaking offences. He was later referred to Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM for treatment on Sept 30 and was pronounced dead at 1.52am on Oct 1.
“The cause of death is pending laboratory analysis,” Aida said in a statement, adding that the case has been classified as a sudden death report pending further investigation by JIPS’ custodial deaths unit.
She said statements had been recorded from 78 witnesses, including police personnel, members of the public, medical officers, forensic experts, representatives from 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.
Meanwhile, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer criticised the police for opening an investigation against lawyers representing Noorizwan after they allegedly shared photographs linked to the post-mortem examination.
Speaking in Parliament, Rayer described the move as an infringement on lawyers’ right to represent their clients without fear or favour and urged Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and the Attorney General to intervene.
“There were reports that the lawyers who shared the photos of (Noorizwan’s) post-mortem are being investigated. This is an infringement and a violation of a counsel’s right to handle any case without fear or favour,” he said at a press conference in Parliament building here.
“I take seriously the police’s statement that the lawyers who shared those photos are being subject to investigation. As a lawyer myself, I’d like to state that we are legally empowered to protect the rights of anyone who comes to us for help.”
The family’s lawyers have disputed the police account, alleging that preliminary findings pointed to severe injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, including broken ribs, head and spinal injuries, and bleeding in the brain and intestines. — Oct 24, 2026
Main photo credit: Kosmo
