AN alleged attempt to punish a Form Two student for breaching hostel rules has emerged as a possible motive in the teenager’s death at a school hostel in Kuala Pilah, police said.
Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said the motive was identified during preliminary investigations into the student’s death, which is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
“However, the actual cause of death has yet to be determined,” he said when contacted last night.
Police have so far recorded statements from 21 individuals, including students, teachers and the victim’s parents, to assist with the investigation.
Earlier, Alzafny said a 16-year-old male student had been detained and remanded until Oct 1 to assist investigations.
He said an investigation paper had been opened under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
“Police are examining all facts and evidence to determine the actual cause and motive of the incident,” he said.
Alzafny urged the public not to speculate, circulate unverified information or spread details that could jeopardise the investigation or infringe on the privacy of the families involved.
“The priority of the police is to ensure that the investigation is conducted professionally, thoroughly and based on evidence to ensure justice for all parties,” he said.
The 14-year-old, from Gemencheh and the eldest of three siblings, was taken to Hospital Tuanku Ampuan Najihah (HTAN) after being found unconscious at the hostel before he was pronounced dead.
Meanwhile, the family of Muhammad Idlan has called for justice as police investigate the case under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
Negeri Sembilan Cricket Adiwira, in a social media post, paid tribute to Muhammad Idlan, who had represented the state at the 2024 Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) Cricket Championship.
“We extend our condolences to the family of the late Muhammad Idlan Fareeq Shahril, who returned to the mercy of Allah on Sept 25, 2026.
“The deceased was one of the Negeri Sembilan Under-12 cricket players who represented Negeri Sembilan at the MSSM Cricket Championship 2024 and, together with the team, achieved second place in the 2024 MSSM,” it said.
It said his death had left a deep impact on his family, friends, teachers, coaches and the wider Negeri Sembilan cricket community.
“The passing of the deceased will undoubtedly leave a deep impact on his family, friends, teachers, coaches and the entire Negeri Sembilan cricket community who knew him and shared his journey in the sport.
“May all his contributions, memories and kindness remain etched in the hearts of everyone,” it said.
His uncle, Kamaruddin Ngatimon, 49, said Muhammad Idlan had been a cricket player and had wanted to enrol at the school, although he understood that cricket was not offered there.
“He was able to enter the school when he was in Form Two and chose archery. He accepted it and started participating in archery,” he said.
Kamaruddin said the family remained shocked and grief-stricken over the teenager’s sudden death.
He described Muhammad Idlan as quiet and calm and said he had never caused trouble with anyone.
He said the teenager was also a caring eldest brother who was close to his younger siblings.
“That is why when I received the news last night, I was very shocked by what happened to him.
“His sibling who was in Melaka also rushed home and, when he saw his brother’s condition, he was extremely sad because the deceased was very close to his second younger sibling,” he said.
Kamaruddin said he hoped Muhammad Idlan would receive due justice and that appropriate punishment would be imposed on anyone found responsible for the incident. - September 27, 2026
