A Taiping prison officer has admitted to using pepper spray during an inmate relocation exercise in January, despite not knowing the rules or having any training on its proper use.
Zairulazy Napiah, a corporal, told a Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) inquiry that although the use of pepper spray was not part of standard operating procedures, he used it anyway to “weaken” the inmates.
He said even though it was not standard issue for officers like him, he was supplied with a baton and pepper spray on that day.
Zairulazy said the spray was used in a sweeping manner and not aimed at anyone in particular.
When asked if such use was appropriate, he replied: “I was just aiming to irritate their eyes, not blind them.”
When pressed further, he admitted he would not be okay if the same was done to him. He also conceded that he had never undergone any training or received a briefing on the proper use of pepper spray.
Zairulazy made these remarks at a Suhakam inquiry today into the alleged assault of more than 100 inmates by about 60 prison wardens during the relocation exercise from Hall B to Block E of Taiping prison on Jan 17.
Led by Suhakam chairman Hishamudin Yunus and commissioner Farah Nini Dusuki, the inquiry is also examining claims that the alleged brutality resulted in the death of one inmate and injuries to several others.
Zairulazy initially denied using any physical force and said he only used pepper spray. However, after several other witnesses identified him in the CCTV footage, he eventually admitted it was him.
He justified his actions by citing emotional provocation, claiming that although the inmates were seated and physically non-threatening, they were shouting verbal abuse.
Another officer admits excessive force used by colleagues
In separate testimony, warden Fazdrul Rosaiman Dalves, one of four officers selected to wear full body armour during the relocation, said at least two officers wearing such protective gear had used excessive force during the operation.
Fazdrul said he routinely carried pepper spray as part of his duties but did not use it on Jan 17. He said he was assigned to guard the front entrance of the hall and had limited visibility due to his fogged-up helmet visor.
He said prison officers were instructed during a briefing to use batons to intimidate inmates, not to injure them. “It’s wrong to hit them at will,” he acknowledged.
Fazdrul confirmed seeing other officers kicking inmates and acknowledged that some prisoners were injured.
Although he appeared in the CCTV footage, he insisted that what looked like hitting was merely him guiding an inmate. “It wasn’t a blow to the head or a slap, just a touch,” he said.
Although he claimed he did not kick or strike any inmate, Fazdrul admitted to pulling one by the shoulder and attempting a kick after being provoked by verbal abuse.
“I was frustrated … but I’m certain the kick didn’t land,” he said.
The inquiry continues.
