More roll calls, additional CCTV cameras to be installed in bid to curb bullying at Malaysia’s military university

The military training academy in UPNM is under the purview of the Ministry of Defence and the Malaysian Armed Forces.

“What’s crucial is to send a clear message that (we) will not compromise on such behaviour. We will take firm action and ensure the punishments are widely publicised,” he was quoted as saying on Sunday by Malay Mail. 

Earlier on Nov 27, Mr Khaled announced that five cadet officers involved in recent bullying cases at the institution have been expelled from the university and the Malaysian Armed Forces. 

The expelled cadet officers have also been ordered to pay compensation to the government of Malaysia based on the total expenses incurred during their studies, the minister said then, adding that the decision aims to serve as a deterrent to all parties.

In his speech last week, Sultan Ibrahim expressed regret over the bullying cases involving cadet officers at UPNM’s military training academy. Recent victims have suffered serious injuries. 

Bernama reported that the 66-year-old Johor ruler regarded it to be “even more distressing” that bullying incidents continue to occur yearly “as though no serious action has been taken by any party”, despite bullying cases in the past that have landed in court. 

Last month, the state news agency reported that a 22-year-old cadet officer, Mohd Adil Mat Awang Ghani, was accused of intentionally causing injury to his 19-year-old junior by stomping on the latter’s stomach with spiked boots in October. The victim suffered fractures to his rib and spine, the police said. 

Another incident surfaced in October, with 22-year-old UPNM cadet officer Amirul Iskandar Norhanizan accused of causing hurt by pressing a heated steam iron to the chest of his junior, 20-year-old Muhammad Salman Mohd Saiful Surash, after asking the latter to iron his clothes.

Amirul was charged in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Nov 8 and has pleaded not guilty. He is also among those expelled and ordered to pay a compensation of RM44,600.20 (US$10,079), according to Bernama. 

Meanwhile, a navy cadet – Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain – died in a case from seven years ago. Six former UPNM students were sentenced to death by a Malaysian court in July for his murder.