SHAH ALAM - Private Muhammad Muqriz Aseri, a 21-year-old soldier from the 20th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (20 RMR), Kem Sri Miri, Sarawak, tragically lost his life on March 24.
A post-mortem report confirmed that he succumbed to blunt force trauma to the chest, which caused severe heart damage.
Initial investigations revealed elements of manhandling, prompting the police to launch a murder investigation and arrest two senior military personnel.
The case has raised concerns about discipline within the armed forces and the need for transparent justice.
What happened to Muqriz?
At around 2.15am on March 24, Muqriz, who was asleep in the bachelor barracks of Sri Miri Camp, was awakened by two senior members to have sahur (pre-dawn meal before fasting).
However, instead of proceeding to eat, he was allegedly ordered to perform physical exercises.
It was reported that the two seniors allegedly forced Muqriz to do a ‘commando rest’ position, where he had to place his head on the floor with hands behind his back for two minutes, followed by 20 push-ups.
The young soldier, already sweating from exertion, attempted to stand up but collapsed unconscious.
The incident was then promptly reported to a Corporal, who was the head of the quarters and he immediately arranged for Muqriz to be taken to Miri Hospital.
He was, however, pronounced dead at 3.05am.
On March 25, a post-mortem examination was conducted at Miri Hospital, confirming that Muqriz’s death resulted from blunt trauma to the chest.
The Malaysian Army released an official statement on March 26, clarifying that the strong impact on the chest caused severe heart damage (contusio cordis), which ultimately led to his death.
Contusio cordis, or cardiac contusion, is a condition where the heart sustains damage due to blunt force trauma, such as a blow to the chest in which the victim suffers symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and changes in heart rhythm.
Army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan said that an internal board of inquiry had been established to investigate the incident, while the case was formally handed over to the police for further action.
He assured that the Army would fully cooperate with the authorities.
"The Army will not compromise on any personnel found guilty. We express our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and hope they remain strong during this difficult time,” he said.
The Army also urged the public to refrain from speculation and spreading unverified information that could disrupt the investigation, leading to skewed trials.
Police arrest two senior soldiers for suspected murder
On March 26, Miri district police chief ACP Assistant Commissioner Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed that two soldiers, aged 22 and 24, were arrested at 4.30pm at Sri Miri Camp.
"The suspects have been remanded for seven days, until April 2, to assist in the investigation,” he stated.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
As the investigation progresses, the police have taken statements from four other individuals connected to the case.
Muqriz’s remains were flown back to Kuala Lumpur on March 26 where he was given his final rites and was laid to rest at the Al-Islamiah Mosque Cemetery in Petaling Jaya at 11.55pm.