Reevaluating the Role of Coroners in Custodial Deaths in Malaysia

Deaths in custody continue to be a critical and sensitive issue in Malaysia, attracting significant attention from various stakeholders. Unlike countries such as the United Kingdom (specifically England and Wales), Australia and Canada, Malaysia lacks dedicated legislation for investigating deaths in custody. This study evaluates the adequacy of Malaysia’s legal framework, focusing on the role of coroners. While coroners are key in determining the cause of death, their jurisdiction is limited by the Criminal Procedure Code and Practice Direction No. 2 of 2019, which restrict their authority to investigations without addressing systemic issues. Coroners in Malaysia depend on external reports and testimonies and do not independently visit death scenes. In contrast, coroners in other countries have greater independence and broader investigatory powers. The article recommends enhancing Malaysia’s legal framework to grant coroners more authority for comprehensive investigations, improving accountability, and ensuring justice in custodial deaths.