Soldier assaulted in camp on life support

 A preliminary investigation found that a non-commissioned officer had used force after being dissatisfied with the way a weapons store was cleaned.

Army chief Azhan Othman said he will visit the victim today to get an update. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

 An armed forces personnel who was allegedly assaulted at the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment camp in Bentong, Pahang, remains in critical condition and is on life support at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital in Temerloh.

Army chief Azhan Othman said he will visit the soldier today to obtain an update, stressing that acts of extreme violence within the army are unacceptable.

He said firm action will be taken against those found guilty.

“We are awaiting the outcome of the police investigation. A board of inquiry has also been established by the army,” he said after officiating the 93rd Army Day parade at Kem Perdana Sungai Besi here today.

The soldier, identified as Pte Amirul Raziq Rosafindi, was believed to have been assaulted on March 30.

Police have detained a 37-year-old corporal to assist in the investigation.

Azhan said the suspect will be placed under close supervision and not allowed to mix with other personnel once released from remand.

He also said that those who resort to violence have no place in the army.

Bentong police chief Zaiham Kahar previously said the corporal had allegedly punched and kicked the victim in various parts of the body.

Zaiham said six other victims, aged 19 to 22, were also assaulted in the incident and had been referred to Bentong Hospital to be examined for injuries.

The armed forces said a preliminary investigation found that a non-commissioned officer had used physical force after being dissatisfied with the way the soldiers had cleaned the weapons store. - FMT