Bukit Aman integrity and standards compliance department (JIPS) director Azri Ahmad said the man died yesterday while receiving treatment at Hospital Kota Tinggi.

He had been warded since Feb 16 for fever and vomiting. He also tested positive for Covid-19.

According to Azri, the cause of death has not been determined.

The man, who was arrested on Jan 21, was awaiting trial after being charged under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. He was being held temporarily at a police lockup after a Covid-19 outbreak in prison.

This would be the ninth death in custody case this year. Azri said the department is investigating the death.

According to the police, only one out of the nine deaths involved criminal elements.

Of the other eight cases, four died in lockups, three died in hospital, and one died on route to the hospital.