THE long-held fears of a mother over the death of her son during military training have been confirmed following the release of a second autopsy report, which reveals multiple injuries to his neck as the cause of death.
Ummu Haiman Bee Daulatgun, 45, had expressed concern after being denied the opportunity to closely examine her son’s neck during the first post-mortem at Kota Tinggi Hospital, Johor, on 28 July.
Speaking to reporters at the Forensic Department of Kuala Lumpur Hospital today, she said the new findings validated her worst suspicions.
“This finally proves what I saw and felt at the time. The second autopsy report shows multiple injuries on his neck, exactly what I suspected during the first post-mortem. Alhamdulillah, it is now confirmed. It is deeply saddening,” she said.
The mother of three stressed that she hopes authorities will pursue a thorough investigation based on the latest report.
“We want justice for my son, and appropriate action must be taken under the law. Please handle my son’s case transparently,” she added.
The deceased, 22-year-old Syamsul Haris Shamsudin, a trainee with the University of Technology Malaysia’s Reserve Officer Training Unit (Palapes), was found unresponsive in July during training at the PULADA Combat Training Centre in Ulu Tiram, Johor.
He was declared dead at Kota Tinggi Hospital on 28 July and buried the following day at the Kampung Rinching Ulu Islamic Cemetery in Semenyih, Selangor.
Earlier reports suggested his death was due to a seizure, but the second autopsy, conducted after exhumation on the orders of the Shah Alam High Court, confirms that fatal neck injuries were involved.
Datuk Naran Singh, the family’s lawyer, said additional injuries, including abrasions, were also documented.
“Examination alongside images and pathology from the first post-mortem shows the deceased sustained severe neck injuries while still alive.
“There were multiple injuries that, while generally consistent with tracheostomy procedures, were far more extensive than expected. Importantly, these were not post-mortem,” he explained.
Naran urged both the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Malaysia Police to establish a special investigative team to determine the responsible parties.
“I believe the police have conducted some investigation. From information provided by the investigating officer, the case papers were referred twice to the Attorney General’s Chambers and they were awaiting the second autopsy report. Now that we have a comprehensive 25-page report, immediate action is warranted,” he said.
The family had previously applied to obtain the first post-mortem report, but the High Court in Shah Alam confirmed that access would only be considered following the release of the second autopsy findings.
A hearing to address this request has been scheduled for 5 December.
The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding trainee safety and accountability during military training exercises in Malaysia, as the family continues to demand justice for Syamsul Haris. - November 28, 2025
.jpg)
