Malaysian Police Reclassify Death of Noorizwan Zulkefly in Custody

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has reclassified the death of Noorizwan Zulkefly, who died while in custody at the Cheras District Police Headquarters, as a case of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm to extort a confession. This decision follows forensic findings from Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), which confirmed that injuries on the deceased were consistent with blunt force trauma and were not self-inflicted.

Noorizwan had been detained on charges related to drug offenses, housebreaking, and theft. While the classification has shifted under Section 331 of the Penal Code, the full autopsy report is pending laboratory analysis to determine the exact cause of death. The Bukit Aman Legal and Prosecution Division has taken over the investigation.

In response to the incident, approximately 100 individuals, including family members, lawyers, and civil society organizations, gathered at Parliament to submit a memorandum. The group is demanding that the death be investigated as a murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code and is calling for the establishment of the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCMC) to ensure transparent oversight of police misconduct.