SHAH ALAM: Several witnesses who were present when the student undergoing Reserve Officer Training Unit (Palapes) training at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam collapsed have refuted claims that the trainer rode him like a horse.
Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the parents ' allegations were based on assumption.
"Few eyewitnesses who were present at the time of the incident have claimed otherwise. No action of him being ridden like a horse by the trainer happened.
"Investigations however are on going to conclude if any negligence or other elements are present in the case," he told the New Straits Times.
Hussein said they have taken statements from 25 individuals to date to facilitate further investigations into the case.
"We expect to call a few more individuals soon to have their statements recorded in order to complete our investigations," he said
It was reported yesterday that the student died during training due to heat stroke and multiple organ failure.
The post-mortem report revealed that the 21-year-old victim's death was a result of heatstroke.
On Nov 10, the trainee, who had been participating in fitness drills as part of the programme collapsed during a physical training session at the marching field under the supervision of a Palapes instructor.
The trainee was reportedly ordered to do push-ups as a disciplinary measure for falling behind during a running session.
Witnesses said he was in a jumping exercise before he suddenly collapsed.
The victim was rushed to Shah Alam Hospital's emergency red zone in a semi-conscious state and had a high body temperature.
Medical staff initiated hydration efforts, but his condition deteriorated, leading to seizures.
He was later transferred to the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) before he passed away on Nov 13, at about 2am.