IPOH: The family of 28-year-old Mohd Baihaqy Nik Mat – one of two navy men who died while in a Sungai Wangi detention unit on Friday – is demanding full disclosure over the cause of his shocking death.
His widow, Noor Bazlin Mohammad, 28, is incredulous over the official account of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Baihaqy and 26-year-old Muhammad Lailatulman Mohd Sukri. Both men, she pointed out, were of Able Seaman rank.
"I find it peculiar that both of them experienced breathing difficulties (as reported) at the same time.
"While we (the family) accept the death as fate, we will not remain silent if (it is discovered that a) criminal element (was involved). (We) would be ready to take action," said Noor Bazlin when met at the Permaisuri Raja Bainun Hospital's forensics unit on Saturday.
The mother of three, who works at a government clinic in Kuala Lumpur, said Baihaqy had called her at 11.41pm on Wednesday saying that he would be detained for reporting late for duty for the second time.
"He asked me not to worry about him and to take care of our children. He asked if I could come visit him in Lumut.
"I was also informed of Baihaqy's detention by an RMN officer, via a phone call. I told the officer to think about his (Baihaqy’s) children, who are still small.
“My worst fear has become reality. I received news of his death three days later," said Noor Bazlin, whose youngest child is aged 10 months.
She said she last met Baihaqy when he was on a week's leave beginning Sept 17.
Meanwhile, police said the two navy men who died while in detention unit were facing disciplinary action.
State Criminal Investigations Department chief Datuk Gan Tian Kee said Baihaqy was on 45-day detention after being found guilty under Section 58 of the Armed Forces Act 1972 for failure to perform his duties.
Lailatuiman, he said, was detained for failing to report for duty without prior leave approval.
"Baihaqy was also under investigation for suspected drug abuse, pending report from the Chemistry Department, while Lailatuiman was temporarily detained there since Thursday. He was to be sent to Kuala Lumpur for further action," Gan said in a statement, adding that both the deceased, from Kelantan, were not friends and served in different units.
He said the men were undergoing training that was carried out in accordance to the Standard Operating Procedure and during fair weather condition.
"We received a sudden death reports lodged on the case and are still waiting for the post mortem results," he said.
It was reported that the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has set up an inquiry board to scrutinise standard operating procedure to determine if there was any breach of practice during the training which was held prior to the deaths.
The RMN said the duo had complained of exhaustion after undergoing physical training and were immediately told to rest.
"They returned to the detention unit and appeared to be exhausted. They were vomiting and had breathing difficulties.
"The personnel were given treatment at the unit, but were pronounced dead by paramedic officers at 3.15pm," RMN said in a statement on Saturday.
The RMN added that the cause of death is still under police investigation and that they will extend their full cooperation.