The exhumation of the grave of Reserve Officers Training Unit (PALAPES) cadet, the late Syamsul Haris Shamsudin, is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. today to allow for a second post-mortem examination.
As early as 7 a.m., family members and nearby residents began gathering outside the main entrance of the Kampung Rinching Hulu Muslim Cemetery in Semenyih, where Syamsul was laid to rest.
Police tightened security around the cemetery entrance to ensure the exhumation process runs smoothly and to prevent any untoward incidents.
At about 7:45 a.m., Syamsul’s mother, Ummu Haiman Bee Daulatgun, 45, was seen entering the cemetery to witness the process.
The exhumation will be overseen by officers from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Forensics Unit, lawyers, Syamsul’s mother, members of the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit (USJT) from Bukit Aman, pathologists from Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), and officers from the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS).
Once completed, Syamsul’s remains will be taken directly to HKL for the second autopsy.
On August 26, the Shah Alam High Court ordered the exhumation after granting an application by Syamsul’s mother. Judge Datuk Bhupindar Singh Gucharan Singh Preet ruled that the body must be exhumed to enable a second post-mortem within 14 days.
Syamsul, 22, died on July 28 while undergoing training at the Live Firing Range in the Army Combat Training Centre (PULADA), Ulu Tiram, Johor. He was buried the following day in Semenyih.
Case Timeline of PALAPES UTM Cadet Syamsul Haris Shamsudin
July 28, 2025
Syamsul, 22, was pronounced dead at Kota Tinggi Hospital, Johor, while undergoing training at PULADA in Ulu Tiram.
July 29, 2025
He was laid to rest at Kampung Rinching Hulu Muslim Cemetery, Semenyih.
August 1, 2025
Police classified the case as sudden death (SDR) after the initial post-mortem found no suspicious injuries. His mother rejected the explanation that he died from seizures and demanded a thorough investigation, including a second post-mortem.
August 2, 2025
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced that a joint committee comprising the Defence Ministry, Higher Education Ministry, and Home Ministry would investigate the case.
August 11, 2025
Ummu Haiman Bee pushed for a second post-mortem and filed an application through the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), insisting on transparency.
August 13, 2025
Police confirmed that 22 witnesses—including doctors, cadets, trainers, and family members—had given statements. The Armed Forces’ internal probe found no evidence of abuse during training.
August 15, 2025
Syamsul’s mother filed a motion in court seeking approval for the exhumation to allow for a second autopsy.
August 19, 2025
The High Court heard submissions regarding the application.
August 25, 2025
Ummu Haiman Bee filed a new affidavit supporting the motion for exhumation.
August 26, 2025
The Shah Alam High Court granted the application and ordered the exhumation.
August 29, 2025
The exhumation is carried out today to allow a second post-mortem at Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
