KUCHING: Two members of the 20th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment have been arrested in connection with the death of a soldier.
The deceased was allegedly abused by his seniors at a camp in Miri.
Miri police chief Asst Comm Alexson Naga Chabu said the two privates, aged 22 and 24, were detained at Kem Sri Miri at 4.30pm on Tuesday.
“They have been remanded for seven days until April 2 to facilitate investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code,” he said.
This section deals with the crime of murder and its punishment.
ACP Alexson said police had recorded statements from four people so far.
He urged the public not to speculate on the case so as not to jeopardise the investigation.
Private Muhammad Muqriz Aseri (pic), 21, was pronounced dead at Miri Hospital, early Monday morning.
He was woken up by two seniors at 2.15am on Monday for sahur (pre-dawn meal).
Before eating, they allegedly ordered him into a “commando rest” position of balancing his forehead on the ground with hands behind his back for two minutes, followed by 20 push-ups.
The victim, who was said to be sweating, then stood up and immediately fainted.
The incident was reported to a corporal in charge of the barracks, who sent the victim to Miri Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3.05am.
The army has launched an internal investigation.
In a statement, it said the initial investigation found evidence of manhandling, with preliminary findings from a post-mortem identifying blunt chest trauma as the cause of death.
“The army has handed the case over to the police for further investigation and has also established an internal inquiry to probe the incident,” it said.
The army also confirmed that the remains of Muhammad Muqriz were flown to Kuala Lumpur and were laid to rest at the Al-Islamiah Mosque Cemetery in Petaling Jaya at 11.55pm on Tuesday.
Army chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan said the army will fully cooperate with authorities to ensure a transparent and fair investigation and will not compromise on any personnel found guilty.
“The army chief also expresses deep sorrow and extends condolences to the family of the deceased, hoping they remain strong in facing this loss,” the statement added.
