According to Berita Harian, the 21-year-old soldier from Puchong, Selangor, was pronounced dead at Miri Hospital.

Sarawak police commissioner Mancha Ata confirmed the incident but provided no further details, including whether suspects had been detained for investigation.

The Malay daily quoted a source as saying that the victim was awoken by two senior personnel at around 2.15am on Monday for the pre-dawn meal.

However, before he began eating, the seniors allegedly ordered him to assume a “commando rest” position for two minutes by balancing his head on the floor with his hands behind his back. This was followed by 20 push-ups.

After completing the exercise, the visibly sweating soldier stood up but immediately collapsed. The incident was reported to a corporal, who is also the head of the quarters.

The corporal rushed the soldier to Miri Hospital, but he was pronounced dead at 3.05am.