Police Record Statements From 22 People In Probe Into UTM PALAPES Cadet’s Death

JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Police have recorded statements from 22 individuals to assist in the investigation into the death of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) student Syamsul Haris Shamsudin.

Johor police chief Comm Ab Rahaman Arsad said the individuals comprised doctors, as well as the victim’s family members, friends and coaches.

Speaking at a press conference at the state police contingent headquarters here today, he said police were still awaiting the full post-mortem report from Kota Tinggi Hospital to determine the cause of death.

Ab Rahaman said the investigation paper was expected to be completed within a month before being referred to the Johor State Prosecution Department for further action.

“We will consult the Prosecution Department for advice and views on further steps in the investigation after the post-mortem, as this case has already come to the attention of Bukit Aman.

“It is understood that the Home Ministry has also requested for the matter (investigation) to be expedited, and we will obtain (the report) from the Chemistry Department as soon as possible,” he said.

Syamsul Haris, 22, was reported to have died under suspicious circumstances while undergoing Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Reserve Officers Training Unit (PALAPES) training at the Army Basic Training Centre (PULADA), Ulu Tiram, here.

The second-semester Bachelor of Cyber Security student, who was the eldest of three siblings, began training on July 26, which was scheduled to end on Aug 3.

Earlier, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced the formation of a joint investigation committee comprising the defence, higher education, and home ministries.

The mother of the late Syamsul Haris, Ummu Haiman Bee Daulatgun, on Monday urged that the investigation into the cause of death be conducted transparently and fairly, and also called for a second autopsy to be carried out immediately.

--BERNAMA