JOHOR BARU: Police have recorded statements from 22 individuals as part of the investigation into the death of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Palapes cadet Syamsul Haris Shamsudin.
Johor police chief Comm Ab Rahaman Arsad said those interviewed included the victim’s family members, fellow Palapes trainees and coaches.
“We also recorded statements from the doctors who carried out the initial medical checks and the one who conducted the post-mortem on the deceased,” he said.
He spoke at a press conference at the state police headquarters on Wednesday (Aug 13).
He added that police are waiting for the full post-mortem result from Kota Tinggi Hospital and Chemistry Department analysis to determine the cause of death.
Comm Ab Rahaman said the full results would take about a month and the investigation papers would then be sent to the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s Office.
In a statement, UTM noted a press conference held by a non-governmental organisation with Syamsul Haris’ family on Tuesday (Aug 12).
“UTM expresses its appreciation and gratitude for the concern shown by all parties,” it said. We respect the family and will extend full cooperation in accordance with the requirements of the law,” it added.
Earlier, Bernama reported that an investigation committee found no evidence of abuse in the death, which occurred during training at the Army Basic Training Centre (Pulada) in Ulu Tiram on July 28.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the findings involved input from the Defence, Home, Health and Higher Education ministries.
He said the incident occurred a day after the 22-year-old began training on July 27 and all activities followed established guidelines and procedures.
“Testimonies from more than 30 witnesses, including trainees and instructors, confirmed that training followed the prescribed procedures and no abuse was reported,” he said.
From a medical perspective, he said a post-mortem at Kota Tinggi Hospital, attended by military medical personnel, confirmed that all initial aid complied with standard operating procedures.
“The hospital report also confirmed there were no signs of injury on the body, consistent with police investigation findings. The cause of death will be determined after the full report is available, which is expected to take one to two months,” he added.
Mohamed Khaled said that the incident should not be linked to the recent death of a student in Sabah and assured full cooperation if any indications of abuse or criminal elements arise.
Syamsul Haris, the eldest of three siblings, was undergoing Combat Inoculation training at Pulada and was scheduled to complete his Palapes training on August 2.
