In a statement, the department said the inmate’s cause of death was confirmed in an autopsy on Oct 7.

“The prisoner had complained of feeling unwell on Oct 4, nine days after he was caned as part of his sentence on Sept 25,” it said.

The department said a thorough medical examination was conducted after the prisoner reported feeling ill.

“The detainee was given treatment by the prison medical officer. He was transferred to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital on Oct 7 for further medical care but, unfortunately, the prisoner was pronounced dead,” it added.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia had confirmed receiving a complaint regarding the death of an inmate, allegedly after the administration of his caning punishment.

The prisoner, Zaidi Abd Hamid, 49, was initially sentenced to death in 2015.

However, his sentence was commuted on Sept 10 to 33 years in prison with 12 strokes of the cane following a review of his case under the Mandatory Death Penalty Abolition Act 2023.

The prisons department today said it has launched an internal probe to review the caning to ensure the punishment meted out fully adhered to established standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“As of now, no violations of the SOPs have been identified, but further investigations are ongoing.

“Should any negligence or procedural lapses be discovered, the department will take firm action against those responsible,” it said.

The department also said that prior to the caning, which was carried out on Sept 25, the prisoner had been declared fit after a comprehensive medical assessment.

“After the punishment, the prisoner received appropriate care, including daily wound treatment and regular health monitoring by the medical team,” it added.

It urged the public not to spread unverified information on the incident.