UTM vows full cooperation in probe of Palapes cadet's death

By NST in August 12, 2025 – Reading time 2 minute

JOHOR BARU: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has pledged to fully cooperate with the investigation into the death of a Reserve Officer Training Unit (Palapes) cadet from UTM Skudai.

The late Syamsul Haris Shamsudin, 22, died on July 28 at Kota Tinggi Hospital after completing training at the Combat Inoculation Firing Range, Army Field Training Centre (Pulada).

In a statement today, UTM assured that it was committed to supporting both the family and the authorities to ensure the investigation is conducted diligently, transparently, and fairly.

“UTM expresses its commitment to fully cooperate with the family and authorities so that the investigation can be carried out prudently, transparently, and fairly,” the statement read.

Earlier, UTM vice-chancellor Professor Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim accompanied Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir to visit Syamsul Haris’ family at their home in Taman Pelangi, Semenyih, Selangor.

Syamsul Haris’ mother, Ummu Haiman Bee Daulatgun, 45, has called for a second post-mortem and expressed willingness for her son’s grave to be exhumed to ascertain the true cause of death.

She said that an application had been submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers via the Higher Education Ministry to allow a transparent investigation free from any protection of parties involved.

Ummu Haiman insisted that her son’s death was not due to a seizure as reported, pointing out the severe injuries and bleeding observed on his body.

On Aug 1, police began a detailed investigation into the death of the Palapes UTM Skudai trainee during training at Pulada on July 28.

Kota Tinggi police chief Superintendent Yusof Othman said that the inquiry would involve taking statements from witnesses and medical personnel to establish the true cause of the incident.

Source link