A 37-year-old Malaysian army corporal has been arrested for allegedly assaulting seven junior soldiers at the 25th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment camp, leaving one victim unconscious in intensive care.
Bentong district police chief Superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar confirmed the incident. A report was lodged on Tuesday morning by the 49-year-old father of one of the victims.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the corporal allegedly punched, struck, and kicked the victims in several areas of their bodies. The assault occurred around 8:00 pm on Monday.
Investigators found that the corporal had used physical force after being dissatisfied with the way the victims cleaned the weapons store.
“One of the victims, aged 24, was reported to have lost consciousness and is still receiving treatment at the intensive care unit (ICU) of Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Temerloh,” Zaiham said in a statement on Wednesday night. “The victim remains unconscious and requires respiratory assistance.”
The remaining six victims, aged between 19 and 22, have been sent to Hospital Bentong for examination and are in stable condition.
Police arrested the 37-year-old corporal at 2:30 pm on Tuesday to assist with the investigation. He has been remanded for four days until 4th April. The case is being investigated under Section 325 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt. If convicted, the suspect may face up to seven years in jail and a fine.
Zaiham urged the public not to speculate on the case as it could interfere with ongoing investigations.
The Malaysian Armed Forces has launched an internal probe, stating that firm action will be taken against any personnel involved in misconduct. “We take the matter seriously, and an inquiry has been convened to determine the cause of the incident,” the statement said.
This incident has drawn attention to discipline within the Malaysian Army. Between 2019 and 2024, 31 personnel were dismissed for bullying and abusing junior members. Then Army Chief Hafizuddeain Jantan noted that offenders included senior ranks, including majors.
The army has emphasised that acts of bullying or abuse violate military values and will not be tolerated. Senior officers have stated that such behaviour undermines unit cohesion and professional standards.
The Royal Malay Regiment, one of the oldest and most prestigious units in the Malaysian Army, maintains strict training and discipline protocols at its camps, including the facility in Bentong. Weapons store cleaning is part of routine duties designed to instil responsibility and attention to detail.
Military analysts note that while isolated cases of abuse occur in armed forces worldwide, Malaysia has strengthened oversight and dismissal policies in recent years. The ongoing inquiry is expected to examine command responsibilities and adherence to regulations at the battalion level.
Local residents in Bentong, a town in Pahang near military installations, expressed concern over the reports. Community leaders have called for transparency in the investigation to maintain public confidence in the armed forces.
Police continue to gather statements from witnesses and medical reports. The 24-year-old victim in the ICU remains a focus of concern, with medical teams providing round-the-clock care. Authorities stressed that the investigation will proceed thoroughly to ensure accountability.
The Malaysian Armed Forces reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct among all personnel, regardless of rank.
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