Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)is an independent organisation which investigates complaints for the violation of human rights. Human rights is the fundamental rights of each person, regardless of heritage, race, skin color, religion, political views, believes or where we live.
KUALA LUMPUR (5 JUNE 2025) – The Children’s Commissioner (CC) of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM, expresses deep sadness and concern over the tragic death of a seven-year-old girl who fell from the 29th floor of a condominium in Puchong, Subang Jaya, on 21 May 2025. This devastating incident occurred just four days after a two-year-old boy was found dead after falling from the 7th floor of an apartment in Precinct 9, Putrajaya.
These back-to-back tragedies are not isolated accidents. They are preventable deaths that starkly expose the failure to implement essential safety measures in high-rise residential buildings. These children did not have to die. Their loss is a direct consequence of a systemic failure to prioritize child safety where it matters most: at home.
As a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Malaysia is duty-bound to protect every child’s right to life, development, and protection from foreseeable harm. A safe home environment is not a luxury. Providing a safe home environment is a legal and moral obligation.
The CC urges the Government (Federal and States) and relevant stakeholders to take urgent action by implementing the following measures to prevent further tragedies:
1. Legislation and Safety Regulations
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) should enact specific laws to enhance child safety in high-rise residential buildings. This includes making it mandatory for all apartment and flat units, including rental units, to be equipped with safety grilles or protective mesh on windows and balconies. Additionally, minimum safety design standards for child-friendly high-rise units must be established under existing building laws or regulations.
2. Mandatory Child-Safety Design Standards
KPKT and local authorities (PBT) must review current building design guidelines to ensure child safety considerations are integrated as mandatory requirements in all high-rise residential developments.
3. Public Awareness and Education Campaigns
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Joint Management Bodies (JMBs) and Management Bodies/Corporations of all high-rise buildings should spearhead public awareness campaigns on home safety, targeting parents, caregivers, and communities. These educational efforts should be incorporated into community health programmes and disseminated through health visitors, particularly, to households with young children.
4. Regular and Strict Compliance Inspections
PBT must conduct regular inspections of high-rise residential units, especially rental properties, to ensure compliance with child safety standards and features.
These deaths were not accidents—they were preventable. The absence of basic safety features in high-rise homes directly contributed to the loss of these young lives. This is unacceptable in any society that claims to uphold children’s rights.
SUHAKAM calls upon all actors—Federal and State Governments, local authorities, developers, JMBs, Management Bodies/Corporations and communities—to take immediate and unified action. Homes must not be high-risk zones for children; they must be places of safety, protection, and dignity.
To all parents, while we push for reforms to take place, in the meantime, vigilance is key. If you live in a high-rise residence, never leave young children unattended, and ensure safety measures are installed. Let us do all we can to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
-TAMAT-
Dr Farah Nini Dusuki
Children’s Commissioner
5 JUNE 2025
KUALA LUMPUR (4 JUNE 2025) – On 13th May 2025, the family of the late J. Soosaimanicckam submitted a memorandum to the Attorney General Chambers (AGC), urging the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to investigate into the death of the late J. Soosaimanicckam. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses deep concern over the prolonged delay in the pursuit of justice for the late naval cadet J. Soosaimanicckam, who tragically lost his life during a training session in 2017. In July 2024, the Ipoh High Court classified his death as homicide. The High Court had ruled that the death was a result of navy officers denying him medical treatment for leptospirosis. In the light of the High Court ruling, it is imperative that the PDRM expedites its investigation and ensures those responsible are held accountable under the law.
19th May 2025 commemorates seven years since the passing of the late J. Soosaimanicckam. The fact that seven years have passed without resolution is a serious indictment of the justice system’s ability to protect the rights of victims and their families against criminal wrongdoings. Justice delayed is denied justice. In this case, prolonged inaction undermines public trust in state institutions, particularly, law enforcement agencies.
As mandated by its role, SUHAKAM had been holding watching briefs in this case, and has been actively monitoring the case since 2018. Whilst we recognize the complexity of cases involving state actors, SUHAKAM stresses that no institution should be immune from scrutiny when there is credible evidence of rights violations.
This case is not only a matter of justice for one family but a testament to the broader principles enshrined in the Federal Constitution. Article 5(1) guarantees that “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty save in accordance with law”. The tragic and preventable death of J. Soosaimanicckam, coupled with institutional inaction, amounts to a failure to uphold this fundamental right.
The case also implicates international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Article 3 of the UDHR guarantees the right to life, liberty and security of person. Article 8 of the same ensures that everyone has the right to an effective remedy by competent national tribunals for acts violating fundamental rights granted by the constitution or by law. The prolonged delay in investigation contravenes these human rights principles.
SUHAKAM urges the PDRM and the AGC to act with urgency, impartiality, and transparency. The family of the late J. Soosaimanicckam deserves justice and closure, and the public deserves assurance that all deaths in custody or under state supervision are properly investigated and those responsible are held accountable.
SUHAKAM further calls for a clear timeline for the investigation and prosecution processes. There must be regular updates to be communicated to the family, and independent oversight to ensure the integrity of the investigation. SUHAKAM remains committed to upholding justice, transparency, and human rights and will continue to monitor the developments of this case closely.
-TAMAT-
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 4 June 2025
KUALA LUMPUR (3 June 2025) – SUHAKAM is urgently calling upon the Government to develop and implement a comprehensive national action plan, alongside explicit constitutional recognition, to safeguard the rights of the Indigenous Peoples. These communities have for decades endured systemic neglect, marginalisation, and violations of their fundamental rights, particularly concerning land, identity, and socio-economic inclusion.
As a core recommendation, SUHAKAM reiterates its calls for the establishment of an Independent National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, in line with Recommendation 18 of the National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples (National Inquiry). This proposed Commission must be empowered to advise the Government on laws and policies relating to Indigenous Peoples. In addition, this Commission, as recommended, must propose and monitor sustainable development programmes on Indigenous Peoples’ land; promote participation of Indigenous Peoples at all levels; and conduct research on issues related to the well-being of Indigenous Peoples. The Commission must be composed predominantly of representatives from indigenous communities, selected through transparent consultation and with the endorsement of Indigenous Peoples across Malaysia. This will ensure that the Commission reflects the voices and aspirations of the communities it is meant to serve and affirms the principle of self-determination.
Simultaneously, SUHAKAM reiterates the urgent need for a comprehensive and independent review of the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 and the Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli (JAKOA), as outlined in Recommendation 14 of the National Inquiry, transforming the JAKOA into a rights-based institution that can provide effective support and protection to the Orang Asli. As the primary federal agency addressing Orang Asli affairs, JAKOA must be reformed to respond to contemporary human rights needs, and not merely to deliver welfare.
As part of the broader constitutional reform agenda, SUHAKAM calls for the amendment of Article 153 of the Federal Constitution to explicitly recognise the Orang Asli as being entitled to the same constitutional safeguards and affirmative action measures afforded to other indigenous communities in Malaysia, that is to say, the Malays and the Natives of Sabah and Sarawak. This recognition is vital in ensuring that the rights, identities, and entitlements of the Orang Asli are no longer subject to administrative ambiguity or exclusion.
Despite the Government’s acceptance of 17 out of 18 recommendations of the SUHAKAM’s landmark National Inquiry, implementation has remained slow and fragmented. SUHAKAM, therefore, calls for the immediate revival of the Special Cabinet Committee on Indigenous Rights, with specific timelines for implementation, progress monitoring, and periodic public reporting.
SUHAKAM also highlights the critical need to harmonise Federal and State policies, especially regarding the gazettement and legal protection of ancestral and customary lands. The lack of harmonisation of policies has placed indigenous communities in precarious conditions, with frequent reports of displacements, loss of livelihoods, and prolonged disputes. The Federal and State
Governments, as custodians of the Indigenous Peoples’ lands and natural resources, have a solemn responsibility to ensure that the Indigenous Peoples have their land rights protected through clear, consistent, and enforceable policies. This obligation is consistent with Article 8(2) of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which calls on States to prevent and provide redress for actions aimed at dispossessing Indigenous Peoples of their lands, territories, or resources.
The Government of Malaysia must act as the guardian of the Indigenous Peoples by aligning national laws with international human rights instruments, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the International Labour Organization Convention No. 169, both of which affirm the right of Indigenous Peoples to free, prior, informed consent (FPIC), the preservation of their cultures, lands, and institutions.
Finally, SUHAKAM insists that any legislation, policy or programme undertaken must include the direct and meaningful participation of indigenous communities and civil society actors. Without their inputs, any reforms-initiated risk being ineffective or rejected by the very communities they are intended to serve.
SUHAKAM remains committed to engaging with all relevant stakeholders to advance the recommendations of the National Inquiry and to ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of the Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia.
-TAMAT-
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)Date: 3 June 2025
KUALA LUMPUR (23 MEI 2025) – Berdasarkan kuasa di bawah Akta Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia 1999 (Akta 597), Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) akan menjalankan siasatan awam terhadap dakwaan pencabulan hak asasi manusia berhubung insiden 17 Januari 2025 di Penjara Taiping, Perak, yang membawa kepada kematian seorang banduan yang berada dalam tahanan.
Siasatan itu bertujuan mengesahkan jika ada terdapat sebarang pelanggaran hak asasi manusia berkaitan insiden tersebut selain tujuan berikut:
(i) untuk mengenal pasti jenis dan sejauh mana pelanggaran berlaku.
(ii) untuk mengkaji bagaimana dan mengapa pelanggaran tersebut berlaku.
(iii) untuk menentukan pihak yang bertanggungjawab terhadap pelanggaran
(iv) untuk mengenalpasti lagkah pencegahan untuk mengelakkan kejadian serupa berulang
Berikut merupakan barisan panel siasatan:
(i) Dato’ Seri Hishamudin Yunus – Pengerusi SUHAKAM merangkap Pengerusi panel siasatan.
(ii) Datuk Mariati Robert – Pesuruhjaya SUHAKAM
(iii) Dr Farah Nini Dusuki – Pesuruhjaya SUHAKAM
Perbicaraan awam itu akan diadakan di Pusat Koreksional Kamunting (KEMTA), Kamunting, Perak, dan dijadualkan berlangsung dalam dua fasa: dari 9 hingga 12 Jun 2025 dan dari 23 hingga 26 Jun 2025. Tarikh tambahan akan diumumkan sekiranya panel merasakan adanya keperluan untuk berbuat demikian.
Orang ramai dan media yang ingin menghadiri prosiding adalah dialu-alukan dengan mengisi pautan pra-pendaftaran di Kod QR berikut:
Untuk sebarang pertanyaan, boleh hubungi Puan Norashikin Hamzah, bahagian Media dan Promosi di Alamat emel shikin@suhakam.org.my atau 019-6215336 dan Encik Safrizaman Mohammad at safrizaman@suhakam.org.my
-TAMAT-
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 23 MAY 2025
KUALA LUMPUR (23 MAY 2025) – Pursuant to its powers under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 (Act 597), the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) will be conducting a public inquiry into the alleged human rights violations in connection with the incident of 17 January 2025 at Taiping Prison, Perak, which led to the death of an inmate who was in custody.
The inquiry will verify, among others, whether there were any human rights violations in connection with the incident, and, if so, –
(i) to identify the nature and extent of such violations.
(ii) to examine how and why such violations occurred.
(iii) to determine the parties responsible for the violations; and
(iv) to make recommendations to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.
The Inquiry Panel will comprise the following members:
(i) Dato’ Seri Hishamudin Yunus – Chairman of SUHAKAM, as Chairperson of the Panel.
(ii) Datuk Mariati Robert – SUHAKAM Commissioner; and
(iii) Dr Farah Nini Dusuki – SUHAKAM Commissioner
The public hearings will be held at the Pusat Koreksional Kamunting (KEMTA), Kamunting, Perak, and are scheduled to proceed in two phases: from 9 to 12 June 2025 and from 23 to 26 June 2025. If the need arises, additional subsequent dates will be announced at a later stage.
Members of the public and media who wish to attend the proceedings are welcome but are required to pre-register at the following QR Code:
For media inquiries, please contact Ms. Norashikin Hamzah, Media and Promotion Division at shikin@suhakam.org.my or 019-6215336 or Mr. Safrizaman Mohammad at safrizaman@suhakam.org.my.
-TAMAT-
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 23 MAY 2025
Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) mengalu-alukan sumbangan artikel daripada anda semua khususnya mereka yang mahir dalam isu berkenaan hak asasi manusia, sama ada di peringkat nasional mahu pun antarabangsa.
Tarikh tutup: 31 Julai 2025
Hantar kepada: jurnal@suhakam.org.my
Artikel terpilih akan dipertimbangkan untuk diterbitkan dalam Jurnal Hak Asasi Manusia 2025.
KUALA LUMPUR (6 MAY 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) strongly condemns the recent attacks by Israeli forces on Palestinian paramedics, health facilities, and designated safe zones. These atrocities blatantly violated agreed ceasefires and have resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians, including children, humanitarian personnel and medical workers.
The deliberate targeting of medical teams and aid workers constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law. The attacks on members of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society are not isolated incidents, they reflect a broader, systematic disregard for civilian lives, protected persons and fundamental human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories.
In addition to targeting medical personnel, Israeli forces have repeatedly bombed hospitals, attacked densely populated refugee camps, and launched strikes on designated “safe zones” areas that should be protected from military operations. These actions are egregious breaches of the principles of distinction and proportionality under international humanitarian law, underscoring the ongoing impunity with which such atrocities are committed.
SUHAKAM stands with the global community in condemning this ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The continued violations of ceasefire agreements and the disproportionate use of force must cease without delay. These actions contravene several key international treaties and declarations, including:
Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person.
Article 5: No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 25: Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being, including medical care and social services.
The United Nations Charter, under Article 1, mandates all member states to maintain international peace and security and to take effective collective measures to prevent and remove threats to peace. The current military actions are not only unjustifiable but continue to fuel instability and immense civilian suffering.
In light of the Security Council’s inaction, we call on the UN General Assembly to invoke the ‘Uniting for Peace’ resolution (Resolution 377A(V)), which empowers the General Assembly to recommend that UN member states take collective measures, including sanctions and peacekeeping operations, in the event the Security Council fails to act due to the lack of unanimity among its permanent members.
SUHAKAM also calls on the Government of Malaysia to take a principled and vocal stand on the international stage in support of efforts to end all forms of apartheid, occupation, colonial domination, and collective punishment inflicted on the Palestinian people. It is critical to recognize that the root of the crisis lies in a longstanding system of oppression and displacement. Any political solution must address the structural injustices that have been entrenched since the Nakba and perpetuated through decades of occupation.
Human rights are not optional; they are universal. The people of Gaza deserve peace, dignity, and justice.
-TAMAT-
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 6 MAY 2025
KUALA LUMPUR (3 MAY 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) refers to the publication of the Malaysia Racism Report 2024 by Pusat KOMAS in March 2025. The report provides valuable insights into the ongoing challenges of racism and racial discrimination in Malaysia. The report serves as a timely reminder that, despite 68 years of independence, sadly, the roots of racism and racial discrimination remain deeply embedded in our institutions, public discourse and societal attitudes.
SUHAKAM believes it is both important and urgent to address the growing concerns surrounding racial harmony and discrimination in Malaysia. In line with SUHAKAM’s mandate to promote awareness and advocate for human rights, this statement serves as both a salutary reminder and a call to action for all Malaysians to unite in addressing the persistent issues of racism and discrimination.
Malaysia is a nation built on diversity. Our multicultural and multi-religious heritage is not a weakness but a strength; one that must be nurtured with understanding, mutual respect and a shared commitment to equality. Racial harmony is not merely a national aspiration, it is an essential foundation for national unity, sustainable development and happiness.
SUHAKAM remains steadfast in its stand that racism in any form whether institutional, cultural, or interpersonal has no place in modern Malaysia. Racial discrimination breeds inequality, resentment and division. It undermines the dignity of individuals and communities and erodes the social fabric that binds our nation.
The Federal Constitution offers clear and valuable guidance on the principles of equality and justice. For instance, Article 8 declares that all persons are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection of the law, regardless of race or religion. Article 12 further reinforces the right to equality by affirming the right to non-discrimination in any educational institution maintained by a public authority, thereby fostering an environment where every citizen has equal access to education.
These constitutional guarantees are reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), to which Malaysia is committed, to the extent that its provisions are consistent with the Federal Constitution. Article 1 of the UDHR states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
SUHAKAM recognises that meaningful progress requires more than statements of intent. It demands sustained commitment from all sectors of society government, civil society, political leaders, media practitioners, educators and ordinary Malaysians. Everyone has a role in rejecting hate speech and divisive rhetoric. Everyone has a role in upholding inclusive values and promoting policies that enhance equality and justice.
In this regard, SUHAKAM respectfully urges the Government to introduce a National Harmony Act, a dedicated legislative framework aimed at fostering mutual respect, promoting inclusivity and protecting all communities from hate speech, incitement and discrimination.
We call on all stakeholders to continue engaging in constructive dialogue, implementing educational and policy reforms, and cultivating empathy and understanding across communities. By doing so, we can lay the groundwork for a more just, equitable and united Malaysia.
-TAMAT-
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 3 May 2025
KUALA LUMPUR (17 APRIL 2025) – The Children’s Commissioner (CC) of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), is appalled over the low penalties imposed by the Courts on two individuals arrested for possession of 50,000 files of obscene objects/child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The two individuals pleaded guilty under Section 292 of the Penal Code and were fined RM3,000 and RM6,000 by the Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam Magistrates’ Courts, respectively.
The penalties a are grossly inadequate, especially in light of the efforts by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the international cooperation from the authorities in Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea. The minimal fines were just a slap on the wrist to the offenders who could easily afford to pay them, considering that they were professionals. The manifestly inadequate punishments made a mockery of the justice system.
Section 292 of the Penal Code provides for imprisonment of up to three years, or a fine, or both. The CC calls on the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) to appeal against the fines and insist for the imposition of appropriate severe punishments that would have deterrent effect on potential offenders.
The CC also earnestly hopes that, when the two in due course are brought to Court on separate charges under Section 10 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the AGC would impress upon the Court to impose sentences of a nature befitting the seriousness of the crimes committed.
The CC supports the PDRM’s recommendation for legislation requiring telcos and ISPs to retain subscriber data for at least two years. In the present case, as data was only retained for six months, the PDRM could not obtain information linked to the other 16 IP addresses and was only able to act on four, leading to current arrests.
The CC stresses that lenient sentences will not serve the public interest and may give the unintended wrong impression that possession of obscene objects/CSAM is tolerable. Harsher penalties are imperative to convey the message that all such crimes, especially when committed against children, are heinous and should be punished accordingly.
-TAMAT-
Dr Farah Nini Dusuki
Children’s Commissioner
17 April 2025
MS 
EN