KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has stressed that there was no abuse of power in the enforcement of Op Songsang, refuting recent claims that detainees were intentionally held for more than 24 hours.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said processes involving documentation, remand applications and bail arrangements needed more time due to the large number of people detained and the involvement of many lawyers.
“When we are unable to obtain a remand order, we cannot simply release the detainees. We must first complete profiling,” he said at a press conference after officiating the Merentas Cabaran, Memacu Kesejahteraan Series 3 programme, themed “Unity for Safety” here today.
Clarifying the situation during the November 28 operation, Fadil said all legal procedures and documentation were carried out in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
He said the raid began at 8pm, and the initial processes at the scene, and subsequently at the district police headquarters (IPD), took considerable time, with the official police report only completed by 12pm the next day.
“The period that was perceived as a delay was actually a critical phase of the process that couldn’t be avoided. Once the investigation papers were completed at 1pm, we had to upload the remand application data into the system between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.
“The remand application was then brought before the magistrate at 6pm. If calculated from the time of arrest, we were still well within the valid 24-hour window. However, because the proceedings began at 6pm and involved a large number of detainees, as well as the presence of 14 lawyers, the process continued into the night before it was completed,” he said.
Fadil also rejected allegations of “double standard” treatment towards those detained.
Commenting on claims that police had intentionally exposed the identities of detainees, allegedly jeopardising their careers, he stressed that police investigations are confidential, and that any official statements issued were based solely on general case facts without disclosing specific personal information.
He added that the investigation is still ongoing, with police continuing to gather information and evidence before making recommendations for possible charges.
“If there is sufficient basis, we will refer the investigation paper to the deputy public prosecutor, with recommendations for further action,” Fadil said.
On November 28, 17 civil servants were among 208 people arrested during a police raid on a wellness club in Chow Kit, believed to be a hotspot for homosexual activities.
The two-storey premises had been operating for the past eight to 10 months, opening from 5pm to 11pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 11pm on weekends.
After the raid, several parties made various allegations claiming police misconduct and abuse of power in handling the detainees.
