Investigation Underway after Inmate Dies Following Caning Sentence
PETALING JAYA: The Selangor prisons department has launched an internal probe into the death of an inmate, Zaidi Abd Hamid, 49, who died after undergoing his caning sentence on September 25.
As reported earlier, Zaidi’s death sentence was commuted to 33 years in prison with 12 strokes of the cane on September 10, under the Mandatory Death Penalty Abolition Act 2023.
According to the department, the inmate’s cause of death was confirmed in an autopsy on October 7, with the coroner attributing the cause of death to a blood infection.
The prison authorities said that Zaidi had complained of feeling unwell on October 4, nine days after the caning sentence, and was subsequently treated by the prison medical officer. He was then transferred to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital on October 7 for further treatment, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead.
Events Leading Up to the Incident
The events leading up to Zaidi’s death began with his original sentence of death in 2015. However, his sentence was commuted to 33 years in prison with 12 strokes of the cane after a review of his case under the Mandatory Death Penalty Abolition Act 2023.
The caning sentence was carried out on September 25, and the prison authorities declared Zaidi fit for the punishment after a comprehensive medical assessment prior to the caning.
Investigation and Findings
The Selangor prisons department has launched an internal probe to review the caning procedure to ensure that it adhered to established standard operating procedures (SOPs). As of now, no violations of the SOPs have been identified, but further investigations are ongoing.
Should any negligence or procedural lapses be discovered, the department has pledged to take firm action against those responsible.
Medical Care and Treatment
According to the prison authorities, Zaidi received appropriate care, including daily wound treatment and regular health monitoring by the medical team, after the caning sentence.
Conclusion
The incident has sparked concerns about the suitability of caning as a form of punishment. While the prison authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, many are left wondering if the punishment was truly necessary, and if the commuted sentence was sufficient, given the severe nature of the caning.
FAQs
- What was Zaidi Abd Hamid’s original sentence?
Zaidi was sentenced to death in 2015. - What was his sentence commuted to?
His sentence was commuted to 33 years in prison with 12 strokes of the cane. - What was the cause of Zaidi’s death?
The coroner attributed the cause of death to a blood infection. - Is an investigation underway?
Yes, the Selangor prisons department has launched an internal probe into the incident.