KL orders probe on addicts

KL orders probe on addicts

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir
Mohamad has promised an investigation into allegations that drug
addicts in rehabilitation centers were assaulted, Bernama news
agency reported yesterday.

Mahathir said acts such as kicking and beating of inmates
should be stopped. "I should know as I also have relatives
involved with drugs," he was quoted as saying yesterday.

Mahathir's remarks came after some 130 inmates broke out of a
drug rehabilitation center in northern Kedah state on Saturday
after setting fire to five buildings.

Forty-seven were soon captured, Bernama reported, and a hunt
had been launched for the rest.

The Sun newspaper quoted a 28-year-old inmate, Rodzi Pawan
Teh, as saying he was beaten with a cane until he collapsed after
denying a charge of hoarding tobacco.