KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 -- The Malaysian Prison Department has confirmed that allegations raised by rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) involving a death in custody and claims of mistreatment at two prisons are now being investigated by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

In a media statement, the department said it was aware of Suaram's allegations concerning the death of a detainee at one prison institution and separate claims of improper treatment of another inmate at another facility

"The Malaysian Prison Department is providing full cooperation to the police in assisting the investigation to ensure that all facts can be obtained comprehensively, transparently, and in accordance with the law," it said.

The department said it wo...