University student dies of heat stroke after military training in Malaysia, father claims son was abused

KUALA LUMPUR: In another alleged abuse case, a 25-year-old Malaysian university student died after undergoing voluntary military training. His father claims his son was ridden like a horse and had his chest stomped on. The latest police investigations indicate that he died of “heat stroke with multi-organ failure.”

Authorities added that no external injuries were detected on Muhammad Amir Rusyaidi Muhammad Zaidi, who died on November 13 after taking part in activities of the Reserve Officers’ Training Unit (ROTU) at the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM) in Shah Alam with the aim of becoming a volunteer reservist officer of the armed forces .

On Wednesday (November 27), news website Malaysiakini reported that Amir died after undergoing an unscheduled training session that allegedly involved physical violence.

The man’s father, Muhammad Zaidi Abdul Rahman, alleged that his son suffered abuse, including having his chest stamped on and being forced to act like a horse with a trainer on its back.

Zaidi also claimed that his son was left unconscious in the middle of the pitch under the sun for about 30 minutes by the coach, according to local news agency Bernama.

Mr Zaidi was informed that his son had lost consciousness during marching exercises and was sent to Shah Alam Hospital for treatment on November 10. He was then sent to intensive care and died three days later.

“The incident has been classified as sudden death,” Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan said late on Wednesday night, noting that before his death, Amir had been asked to do push-ups as punishment for failing to perform his duties. running session.

“They saw (Mr. Amir) jumping before he lost consciousness,” Hussein added.

According to the Selangor Police, Mr Amir joined ROTU late last month and was undergoing a fitness test before starting basic training in 2025.

As of November 27, the police had collected statements from nine witnesses, including the victim’s father.

Meanwhile, UITM announced a review of procedures and mechanisms for monitoring extracurricular activities involving uniformed groups at the university.

In a statement on Wednesday, the university said it would fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation, stressing that the case would be handled by the police and the Malaysian Defense Forces Commission of Inquiry.

“UITM is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its students,” reads a statement quoted by Malay Mail.

Minister of Higher Education Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir also commented on the incident, stating that a full report from the public university must be obtained before any further action is taken.

This is the latest in a series of allegations of abuse relating to military training at universities.

Five cadets of the Military Academy Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) involved in three recent incidents of abuse, have been expelled from university and dismissed from service in the Malaysian Armed Forces, Defense Minister Khaled Nordin said in a statement on Wednesday.

“All cadets have been ordered to pay compensation to the Malaysian government based on the total expenses incurred during their studies,” Khaled said, hoping his decision would deter all parties and reinforce military values ​​that should be upheld.

One of the expelled officer cadets is 22-year-old Amirul Iskandar Norhanizan accused of causing injuries by pressing a heated steam iron to the chest of his younger brother – 20-year-old Muhammad Salman Mohd Saiful Surash – after asking him to iron his clothes.

On November 8, he was charged under Art. 324 of the Penal Code, to which he pleads not guilty and the proceedings are still ongoing. According to Bernama, he was ordered to pay compensation of RM44,600.20 ($10,000).