MIRI: The Malaysian Army (TDM) has handed over the investigation into the death of a 21-year-old soldier at Camp Sri Miri to the police.
At the same time, it is also initiating an internal Board of Inquiry to determine the cause and contributing factors in the incident.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the military found elements of “manhandling”, believed to have caused the soldier’s death.
TDM in a statement today confirmed receiving a report on the March 24 incident.
It involved the death of Private Muhammad Muqriz Aseri, 21, from the 20th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (20 RAMD) at Camp Sri Miri, Sarawak.
A post-mortem conducted at Miri Hospital on March 25 determined the cause of death as blunt trauma to the chest (contusio cordis), indicating severe impact to the chest area, resulting in heart damage.
The deceased’s remains were flown to Kuala Lumpur and were laid to rest at the Al-Islamiah Mosque Cemetery, Kampung Lindungan, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, at 11.55 pm last night.
Army Chief General Tan Sri Datuk Wira Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan expressed deep concern over the incident, assuring that TDM would fully cooperate with authorities to ensure a transparent and fair investigation.
He also emphasised that there would be no compromise against any personnel found guilty in the case.
“TDM urges the public to refrain from making statements or speculations that could disrupt the ongoing investigation,” he said.
General Muhammad Hafizuddeain also extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, hoping they remain strong in facing their loss.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata confirmed the incident but did not divulged details on whether any arrest had been made.
Miri District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu, when contacted today, confirmed that the case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
According to sources, the incident occurred at approximately 2:15 am on March 24, when the victim, who was asleep in the camp’s bachelor quarters, was woken up by two senior personnel for pre-dawn sahur.
Before eating, he was allegedly ordered to perform a ‘commando rest’ – a strenuous position where the head is placed on the floor with hands behind the back – for two minutes, followed by 20 push-ups.
The victim, sweating profusely, managed to stand but soon collapsed.
His condition was immediately reported to a corporal, who was the dormitory supervisor.
Efforts were made to rush him to Miri Hospital, but he was pronounced dead at 3:05 am.
