PETALING JAYA: Three Reserve Officers’ Training Unit (Palapes) trainers will be charged in the Kota Tinggi Sessions Court in Johor on Friday (Feb 27) over the death of a Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) cadet.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the Attorney General’s Chambers had, on Feb 24, 2026, returned the investigation papers to the police and directed that charges be framed under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code.
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The case was previously investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
“However, the Attorney General’s Chambers has directed that three Palapes trainers, who are officers of the Malaysian Armed Forces, be charged under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code for culpable homicide not amounting to murder,” he said in a statement on Friday.
He said the offence carries a jail term of up to 30 years and a fine, upon conviction.
The trio were charged at 9am on Friday under Section 304(a), read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
Mohd Khalid also advised the public not to speculate on the case as criminal proceedings have commenced.
“The public is advised not to make any speculation regarding this case as the charging and criminal trial process has begun, in line with the principles of criminal justice in this country,” he said.
