Lawyers for Liberty urges prime minister to step in over Kajang prison water and hygiene problems

Lawyers for Liberty expressed disappointment with the Prison Department’s explanation of ongoing water supply disruptions, sanitation lapses and food-preparation deficiencies at Kajang Prison, labeling the October 15 response as insufficient. Thiruna Jayshan Jaya Kumar, the NGO’s outreach and communications coordinator, said the issue has persisted for years and the public deserves specific answers and accountability. The organisation is pressing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene directly, arguing that half-hearted assurances do not address the problem.

LFL is also demanding an independent public inquiry, citing the Commissions of Enquiry Act 1950, to examine complaint records and identify systemic failures. The group wants any recommendations from such an inquiry to be released publicly and warned that the department’s request for the public to refrain from speculation appears to suppress legitimate scrutiny.