RMC death: Be strict on ragging ban, says minister

Academic institutions in the country must totally ban and take immediate action on senior students who are involved in ragging their juniors.

Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek who visited the family of a Royal Military College (RMC) student who allegedly died of ragging, said ragging incidents at institutions should not be happening anymore.

Ahmad Shabery today visited the family of Muhamad Naim Mustaqim Muhd Sobri, 16, ( right ) a Form four student at the RMC in Sungai Besi at Kampung Baru, Siong in Baling and spent about an hour, listening to the grouses of the family.

Meanwhile, Muhamad Naim's mother, Fauziah Abd Wahab, 45, wants the authorities to take action against those responsible for the death of her son.

Fauziah who could not accept the fate that befell her eldest son said though her son had informed her of the ragging, she had expected it to be a part of the learning process.

"I want the tragic incident that happened to my son, to become an example to others to refrain themselves from such activities but quick action must be taken against those responsible for the death of my son," she said.

Muhamad Naim's father Muhd Sobri Sopian, 41, said he was disappointed that ragging activities were still going on at such institutions.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said all military colleges in the country have been directed to ensure that orientation programmes for students followed procedures.

Ahmad Zahid said the ragging incident which claimed the life of a Form four student at RMC was a very serious issue and stern action would be taken against those involved, including sacking them from the college.

"We will form a committee to ensure the orientation week for new students followed the proper guidelines set," he told reporters after opening the Rantau Panjang Umno division delegates meeting today.

Yesterday, police who are investigating the case under Section 302 of the Penal Code which carries the mandatory death sentence in convicted, detained five Form five students from RMC.

- Bernama