Cadet Collapsed During Training
SHAH ALAM: A Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) student who passed away during Public University Reserve Officer Training Unit (Palapes) activities at the Shah Alam campus showed no signs of external injuries, authorities confirmed.
Cause of Death Identified
Selangor police chief Commissioner Datuk Hussein Omar Khan stated that the cause of death was multiple organ failure triggered by heat stroke. “The case has been categorized as sudden death,” he said in an official statement.
Timeline of the Incident
According to Comm Hussein, the student collapsed during a marching exercise and was promptly taken to Shah Alam Hospital on Nov 10. Initial findings revealed that the student joined Palapes at UiTM Shah Alam in late October and was undergoing preliminary fitness tests ahead of next year’s basic training.
Medical Treatment and Outcome
The victim had struggled to keep pace during a running session, prompting his trainer to assign push-ups as a form of punishment. Shortly afterward, he lost consciousness. Medical staff at the emergency ward observed that the student was semi-conscious and running a high fever. Despite attempts to hydrate him and alleviate muscle cramps, his condition deteriorated, leading to his admission to the ICU. Tragically, he passed away on Nov 13.
Investigation Underway
The police have recorded statements from nine individuals, including the victim’s father, who filed a report on Nov 15. Investigators are urging anyone with additional details to reach out to Assistant Superintendent Mohd Khairi Kamaruddin at 012-266 6025.
Bullying Allegations Surface
The Armed Forces has also announced an internal inquiry into claims of bullying, following a report made by the victim’s father linking his son’s death to alleged misconduct during training.
