A public inquiry will be held to probe the allegation that inmates in the Simpang Renggam detention centre in Johor were physically abused by warders, said the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) today.

When contacted, Suhakam commissioner N Siva Subramaniam said a special team from the commission will draw up the terms of references to get to the bottom of the matter.

"It will deal specifically with the assault. We are not going to dwell on other issues," he added.

The decision to hold the public inquiry was reached at a commissioners meeting this afternoon.

On Jan 5, 16 inmates received outpatient treatment at the Kluang hospital after they were allegedly assaulted by the warders.

One inmate, who contacted malaysiakini shortly after the incident, claimed that they were beaten with ratan canes and batons.

Following this, four ministers visited Simpang Renggam. Works Minister S Samy Vellu later said that apart from overcrowding and lack of water supply, all was fine. This was countered by Suhakam.

Bonded slavery

Meanwhile, Siva said the public inquiry will be headed by commissioner Muhammad Shafee Abdullah and include commissioners Zaitoon Othman and Khalid Ibrahim.

The date for the inquiry will be announced soon, he added.

In another development, Siva said Suhakam will call in an estate contractor from Bahau, Negeri Sembilan, who has allegedly bonded several families into slavery.

"We want him to explain the whole situation," he added.

He said the commission will also inquire the Ayer Hitam police department "to find out what action they have taken."

"We view this problem of bondage slavery seriously," he stressed.