A Sosma (Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012) detainee who died after he was found unconscious at the Shah Alam Centralised Lock-up on Tuesday night (April 17), had a history of fever, stomach ache and diarrhoea.

The 38-year-old man also suffered from a loss of appetite since four days ago.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the man, who had been detained at the lock-up since March 29, suddenly fell unconscious and was sent to the Shah Alam Hospital (HSAS).

“He died while undergoing examination by a medical officer at the HSAS Emergency Department. The cause of death has yet to be determined, pending the result of a post-mortem,” he said in a statement today.

Noor Hisham added that during an investigation, his department found 10 other detainees at the lock-up who complained of ill-health with various symptoms, namely, nine light ailments such as cough and influenza, while one was afflicted with stomach ache and diarrhoea.

He said seven cases were treated at the lock-up by a medical team from the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Klang while three cases were referred to the HSAS Emergency Department for treatment and subsequently discharged (and sent back to the lock-up).

In this regard, Noor Hisham said a health team each from the district health office and the Selangor Health Department conducted preventive and control activities at the lock-up, including disinfection exercises involving the cells and surrounding areas.

Based on the checks carried out, he said the cells were found to be clean and under control, adding that the health ministry would nevertheless, continue to monitor the situation from time to time.

-- Bernama