Three individuals are set to be charged at the Kota Tinggi Magistrates’ Court today over the alleged negligent death of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Reserve Officer Training Unit (Palapes) cadet, Syamsul Haris Shamsudin, who died on 28 July last year.
The accused are understood to comprise two senior officers of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), holding the ranks of Major and Captain respectively, as well as a Warrant Officer from the other ranks. Their prosecution marks a significant development in a case that has drawn national scrutiny over safety standards during military training.
Charged Under Section 304A
All three are expected to face charges under Section 304A of the Penal Code for causing death by a rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide. Upon conviction, the offence carries a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
The legal proceedings follow months of public attention and calls for accountability, particularly after questions were raised regarding the circumstances surrounding the cadet’s passing.
Second Post-Mortem Findings
On 28 November last year, it was reported that a second post-mortem examination concluded that Syamsul Haris’ death was caused by neck injuries. The findings were disclosed by lawyer Datuk Naran Singh after obtaining the post-mortem report from Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL).
He also revealed that several other injuries, including abrasions, were detected during the examination conducted on 30 August.
Earlier, on 26 August, the High Court granted an order for the cadet’s grave to be exhumed to facilitate a second post-mortem, to be carried out within 14 days of the remains being released.
Background Of The Case
Syamsul Haris, 22, died at Hospital Kota Tinggi on 28 July last year after undergoing training at the Army Combat Training Centre (PULADA) in Ulu Tiram. He was laid to rest the following day at the Kampung Rinching Ulu Islamic Cemetery in Semenyih, Selangor.
The case has sparked broader conversations about duty of care and oversight in uniformed training programmes, with court proceedings now expected to shed further light on the events leading to the young cadet’s death.
