Family fears bedridden remand prisoner won’t survive wait for chemist’s report

PETALING JAYA: The family of a 28-year-old remand prisoner fears he may not survive if he remains in custody, having already waited months for a chemist’s report in a drug case.

Rafeya, 30, said her younger brother, Faizal Abdullah, has become bedridden in custody, unable to walk, sit up, eat or use the toilet without assistance, after his health deteriorated.

“If it takes another three or four months, I’m afraid I may not see my brother again. He is getting worse,” she told FMT.

Faizal was charged at the Bangi magistrates’ and sessions courts on Feb 6 with three drug-related offences involving cannabis and methamphetamine.

The charge sheets sighted by FMT accuse him of having in his possession 152.3g of cannabis by a roadside in Kampung Sireh, Semenyih, at about 9pm on Jan 30.

He also faces a joint charge of being in control of 25.1g of cannabis at a nearby house and a separate charge of possessing 9.7g of methamphetamine.

Rafeya said Faizal was remanded for seven days before being charged. Another suspect arrested with him was granted bail, but Faizal has remained in custody pending the chemist’s report.

She said he appeared healthy during his first month in prison but later told the family he had suffered several falls.

“He could still walk slowly at first, but the following week he came to see us in a wheelchair,” she said.

The family alerted his lawyer, who wrote to prison authorities.

Faizal was subsequently admitted to Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital in Seremban, where he remained for more than a month.

However, Rafeya said his condition continued to worsen.

“It started with his legs, then affected his hands. Now he cannot move them properly, hold anything or feed himself,” she said.

She estimated that he has lost about 50kg in weight while in custody, dropping from around 120kg to 70kg.

Doctors have conducted several tests, including brain and CT scans, as well as spinal fluid examinations, but the family said they have yet to receive a clear diagnosis.

Rafeya said doctors informed them that Faizal had fractures involving the T7 and T8 vertebrae. While one doctor suggested that surgery might be necessary, another said the injury could heal on its own.

The family was shocked when Faizal was discharged and returned to prison last Thursday despite still being unable to care for himself.

“He cannot sit or stand and has to lie flat. He is suffering,” said Rafeya.

She said her brother’s case has raised questions about the treatment of seriously ill remand prisoners, and whether alternatives such as bail or hospital-based custody should be considered.

FMT has sought comments from Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital, the prisons department, the health ministry and the courts.

Lawyer S Vinesh said he is seeking updates from the prison, hospital and chemistry department following his client’s discharge.

He said the chemist’s report is required to confirm the type and weight of the drugs allegedly seized, but he has been informed it could take another four months.

“Without it, my client remains in limbo while seriously ill,” he said.