Death of Noorizwan Zulkefly in Malaysian police custody

Following the death of 42-year-old Noorizwan Zulkefly on October 1 while held at the Cheras District Police Headquarters, political figures and legal advocates have called for transparency. Bersatu Information Chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz demanded an explanation from the Inspector-General of Police after reports emerged of 21 injuries on the deceased’s body. Representatives from Lawyers for Liberty urged authorities to classify the incident as murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

By late October, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) reclassified the death as a case of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm to extort a confession under Section 331 of the Penal Code. This reclassification followed forensic findings from Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz indicating that the injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma and were not self-inflicted. While the Bukit Aman Legal and Prosecution Division has assumed control of the investigation, the full autopsy report remains pending laboratory analysis.

In response to the police findings, approximately 100 individuals, including family members and civil society organizations, gathered at Parliament to submit a memorandum. The group continues to demand a murder investigation and is calling for the establishment of the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCMC) to oversee police misconduct.