SHAH ALAM: Two members of the 20th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (20 RAMD) have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the death of fellow soldier, Private Muhammad Muqriz Aseri, 21, Sinar Harian reports.
Miri OCPD Asst Comm Alexson Naga Chabu told the Malay language daily that the two privates, aged 22 and 24 years old, respectively, were detained at Camp Sri Miri at 4:30pm on Tuesday (March 25).
He also said that police have obtained a court order to remand both suspects for seven days.
"The case is currently being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code on suspicion of murder," he told Sinar Harian.
ACP Alexson also urged the public not to speculate on the incident.
Meanwhile, the Royal Malaysian Army has pledged full cooperation with the authorities to ensure a transparent and fair investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued by the Army's Public Relations Cell, Army chief Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan said the incident was being taken seriously and there would be no compromise on any personnel involved and found guilty in the incident.
The late Muhammad Muqriz was confirmed dead at Miri Hospital on Monday (March 24), believed to have died from internal injuries suspected to have been caused by assault from senior personnel.
It is understood that in the incident at around 2:15am Monday, the victim, who was sleeping in the camp's single men's barracks, was awakened by two seniors for the pre-dawn meal (sahur).
Before sahur, the two seniors instructed the victim to perform a "commando rest", a position where the head is placed on the floor with hands behind the back for two minutes, and to do 20 push-ups.
Afterwards, the victim reportedly fainted, and the incident was reported to a corporal, who was also the head of the single men's barracks.
The victim was immediately taken to Miri Hospital but was confirmed dead at 3:05am.
