KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry has pledged its full cooperation and attention to assist in the probe into another alleged bullying case involving a trainee at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM).
Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said following a police report filed by the victim, the ministry has handed this matter over to the police to complete the investigation.
"I have been informed regarding the viral media report involving a trainee at UPNM who sustained injuries, believed to be the result of actions by a senior trainee.
"Following the police report that was filed, the minstry has handed this matter over to the police to complete the investigation," he said.
Khaled added that the ministry such incidents are unacceptable and tarnish the image of UPNM and higher education institutions.
Earlier, city police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said a police report was lodged on Friday over the assault which took place at 10.45pm, after the roll call process near the marching grounds of the university campus.
He said the victim, a first year student, suffered serious injuries including a fractured rib and spine after he was allegedly assaulted by a senior student at the campus on Oct 21.
He also said the victim is currently receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.
Rusdi added that the case is being investigated under Section 325 of the Penal Code for causing grievous hurt.
On Friday, a UPNM cadet who allegedly pressed a hot iron on a junior cadet's chest was charged at a Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court.
This incident marks the third case of similar abuse at UPNM in seven years.
In 2017, the university was shaken by the death of cadet officer Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, who was tortured and burned with a heated iron.
Six former UPNM students were subsequently sentenced to death by hanging for his murder.