Investigation Underway into Death of Cadet Following Training Session
PETALING JAYA: Police have recorded statements from nine individuals as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of a cadet following a training session at a Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) campus.
Background of the Incident
Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan said the cadet’s father filed a report on November 15 after receiving a call from Shah Alam Hospital five days earlier informing him that his son had been admitted in an unconscious state. Investigations found that the cadet had joined the reserve officer training unit at UiTM Shah Alam in October and was undergoing a fitness test before the main training programme next year.
The Incident
On the day of the incident, the cadet was reportedly penalised for falling behind in a running session and was ordered to do push-ups by the trainer. "He was seen jumping up and down before collapsing," Hussein said. The cadet was initially treated at the Shah Alam Hospital’s red zone emergency ward, where he was found to be semi-conscious with a high body temperature and dehydration.
Cause of Death
Despite efforts to hydrate him and subsequent treatment for cramps, Hussein said the cadet’s condition worsened, and he was transferred to the intensive care unit. "The cadet was confirmed dead on November 13 at approximately 2.01am. The cause of death was due to heatstroke with multiple organ failure." Hussein said no external injuries were found on the deceased’s body, and the case has been classified as sudden death.
Investigation Progress
Police have recorded statements from nine individuals, including the trainer and other cadets who were present during the training session. The Royal Malaysian Air Force has also confirmed that the case is being probed by the air force’s provost marshal unit. Meanwhile, UiTM has stated that it will tighten its procedures and monitoring mechanisms for uniformed body co-curricular activities.
Conclusion
The investigation into the death of the cadet is ongoing, and it is essential that the authorities thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure that the cause of death is properly determined and that measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
FAQs
Q: What was the cadet’s background?
A: The cadet had joined the reserve officer training unit at UiTM Shah Alam in October and was undergoing a fitness test before the main training programme next year.
Q: What happened during the training session?
A: The cadet was penalised for falling behind in a running session and was ordered to do push-ups by the trainer. He was seen jumping up and down before collapsing.
Q: What was the cause of death?
A: The cause of death was due to heatstroke with multiple organ failure.
Q: Who is investigating the incident?
A: The Royal Malaysian Air Force’s provost marshal unit is investigating the incident, in addition to the police.