SARAWAK, MALAYSIA: Two Malaysian Army personnel from the Royal Malay Regiment have been arrested following the death of their 21-year-old squad mate, Private Muhammad Muqriz Aseri, in what is believed to be a ragging incident.
According to Berita Harian, the two suspects, aged 22 and 24, were arrested at an army base in Miri on 25 March to assist in investigations.
Miri district police chief Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed that the court had granted an order to detain them for seven days until 2 April.
“The case is currently being investigated by the police according to Section 320 of the Penal Code because they are suspected of murder,” he told the Malaysian media outlet.
Blunt force trauma cited as cause of death
Reports indicate that Muqriz was subjected to strenuous exercises by the suspects before he collapsed and later died.
Utusan Malaysia cited blunt force trauma as the cause of death, stating that a strong blow to the chest caused fatal damage to his heart.
Local media reported that the two suspects, described as Muqriz’s seniors, woke him at 2.15am for a pre-dawn meal before allegedly making him perform physically demanding exercises.
These included a two-minute “commando rest” – a position similar to planking where an individual supports themselves using only their head and feet while keeping their arms behind their back – as well as push-ups.
According to Free Malaysia Today, Muqriz, who had been sweating, stood up after completing the exercises but fainted immediately.
Another personnel member was alerted and rushed him to Miri Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Army acknowledges possible “manhandling”
Following initial investigations, the Malaysian Army released a statement acknowledging possible “manhandling” in the incident.
The army has handed over the case to the Malaysian Royal Police and has formed an internal investigation team to determine the underlying causes and contributing factors.
Army Commander Colonel Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan assured that the organisation is taking the matter seriously and is fully cooperating with the authorities.
“The army also hopes that the public will not make any statements or speculations that may affect ongoing investigations,” he cautioned.
Concerns over bullying culture in military institutions
Muqriz’s body has since been transported to Kuala Lumpur and was laid to rest at a Muslim cemetery in Petaling Jaya.
The incident has reignited concerns over bullying and abuse within Malaysia’s military institutions.
In November 2024, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that his government would not tolerate bullying in educational institutions.
His comments followed allegations of abuse at a military university.
In December, Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar also called for an end to what he described as an “inhumane” culture at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, in response to similar cases of alleged abuse.
The post Two Malaysian Army personnel arrested over death of squad mate in alleged ragging incident appeared first on The Online Citizen.
