In January 2025, over 100 inmates at Taiping Prison were assaulted by approximately 60 wardens during a transfer exercise, resulting in the death of inmate Gan Chin Eng [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) conducted a public inquiry revealing systematic violence, including the use of batons and pepper spray on handcuffed prisoners, medical negligence, and falsification of medical records [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The report described the abuse as "calculated, group-enforced physical violence" and recommended that criminal charges be filed against all officers involved [1, 2, 3, 5].
One prison warden, Ryndee O'Nel Victor, has been charged under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code for culpable homicide not amounting to murder in connection with Gan Chin Eng's death [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo called for transparency from the Inspector-General of Police and Attorney-General regarding police reports and criminal proceedings following the incident. He emphasized, "The findings of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia's public inquiry must not be allowed to gather dust," and said "action must reflect the seriousness with which the law views abuses of power by those entrusted to detain people, especially when lives are lost" [1, 2]. Gobind also warned, "Prisoners have rights too. Issues such as medical negligence and the falsification of medical records must be dealt with firmly" [3]. He plans to raise the matter at an upcoming Cabinet meeting [1, 2, 3, 4].
The Malaysia Prisons Department pledged a thorough and transparent review of the Suhakam findings and full cooperation with authorities, urging the public to refrain from speculation [4]. Meanwhile, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the government will carefully examine the report before deciding on further action and noted that the issue has not yet been discussed in Cabinet [5]. Fahmi said, "Usually, Suhakam’s annual report will be tabled in Parliament for debate, and we will study it. We are concerned about Suhakam’s findings. God willing, we will examine them before taking any action" [5].
Disagreement persists over the extent of accountability so far. Some sources say only one warden has faced charges and express concern that others implicated have not been prosecuted as recommended by Suhakam [1, 2, 3]. Others note the government is still reviewing the report and no formal Cabinet discussions have occurred [4, 5].
The mass assault on inmates at Taiping Prison took place on January 17, 2025, with the inquiry report released publicly on May 25, 2026 [1, 3, 5]. The coming Cabinet meeting is expected to address the calls for justice and determine the government's next steps [3].
