Malaysian University Student Dies During Military Training, Father Alleges Abuse

Tags: Malaysia, Military Training, University Bullying, ROTU, Student Death

Tragic Death During Military Training

A 25-year-old student from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM) in Shah Alam, Malaysia, has died following a Reserve Officer Training Unit (ROTU) session. Identified as Muhammad Amir Rusyaidi Muhammad Zaidi, the student passed away on November 13 due to heat stroke and multi-organ failure, according to police investigations.

Allegations of Abuse

The victim’s father, Muhammad Zaidi Abdul Rahman, alleged that his son was physically abused during training. Claims include being forced to carry a trainer on his back like a horse and having his chest stepped on. Additionally, Amir was reportedly left unconscious under the sun for 30 minutes before being transported to the hospital.

Amir fell unconscious during a marching exercise on November 10 and was rushed to Shah Alam Hospital, where he was placed in the ICU. Despite medical efforts, he passed away three days later.

Investigation and Institutional Response

Selangor police have recorded statements from nine witnesses, including the victim’s father. They revealed Amir was undergoing ROTU fitness assessments in preparation for basic training scheduled for 2025. The case has been classified as a sudden death, with allegations of push-ups being used as punishment before Amir collapsed.

UITM has pledged to review its procedures for monitoring co-curricular activities involving uniformed groups and has assured full cooperation with ongoing investigations by the police and the Malaysian Armed Forces.

Broader Concerns of Bullying in Military Training

Amir’s death is the latest in a series of bullying accusations tied to military training in Malaysian universities. Recent cases at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) have led to the expulsion of five cadet officers from both the institution and the Malaysian Armed Forces.

In one incident, a cadet officer allegedly pressed a hot steam iron onto a junior’s chest. The accused officer, who has been charged and is awaiting trial, was ordered to pay compensation amounting to approximately USD $10,000.

Government and Public Reactions

The Malaysian Higher Education Minister and Defence Minister have both called for thorough investigations and stricter measures to ensure safety and accountability in military training programs. These incidents highlight the pressing need for reform and a stronger focus on preventing abuse within university-based military training programs.