UPNM abuse case: Cops seize iron, grill suspect

Police have recorded statements from a suspect and 15 other individuals over alleged abuse using an iron at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM).

Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Mohd Isa confirmed that the victim, cadet officers, staff, coaches, and medical personnel were among those questioned.

“We have also seized the iron yesterday. We are awaiting the completion of the medical report,” he told the media today.

On Oct 31, an abuse incident at the university was reported, in which a cadet allegedly sustained burn injuries to his chest after a senior student pressed a hot iron against him.

The armed forces have confirmed the incident and pledged a thorough investigation.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited the university the following day and instructed the Higher Education Ministry and the Education Ministry to take a stronger stance against bullying in learning institutions.

The former education minister emphasised that leadership and capability are meaningless without values, respect, and ethics.

This case is particularly unsettling in light of a similar tragedy seven years ago when UPNM cadet Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain died in June 2017.

Zulfarhan suffered extensive injuries from 90 instances of scalding burns caused by a steam iron, leaving burns on 80 percent of his body.

Following the incident, six former UPNM students were convicted of murder and sentenced to death.

Suspect in UPNM bullying case quizzed, police to interview witnesses

'Madness': PM wants stronger action against bullying in education system

Anwar heads to UPNM tomorrow amid latest abuse scandal

Another UPNM military cadet abused using scalding iron