While the corporal, Sukry Tasu, 37, was charged with causing grievous hurt on Monday, Bentong police chief Zaiham Kahar said a fresh investigation will be held for murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

“A request to conduct an autopsy on the deceased has been submitted and we will go through the statements we recorded previously once again.

“If necessary, more witnesses will have their statements taken,” he said in a statement.

Amirul’s father, Rosafindi Tambi Chik, confirmed earlier that his son died this morning at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital in Temerloh, Pahang, about a week after he was left on life support following the assault.

On Monday, Sukry claimed trial to seven charges of assaulting army personnel at the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment camp last month.

He was charged with causing grievous hurt to Amirul and six others – Atiqillah Taugek Rashidi, 21, Syakirin Yaacob, 20, Azman Shah Ismail, 22, Nik Amir Zaqwan Nik Asrizal, 19, Irfan Aiman Tajudin, 19, and Danial Asraf Azizan, 22.

Zaiham previously said the corporal had allegedly punched and kicked Amirul in various parts of the body.

The armed forces said a preliminary investigation found that the non-commissioned officer was dissatisfied with the way the soldiers had cleaned the camp’s weapons store.

Defence minister Khaled Nordin conveyed his condolences to Amirul’s family, saying he viewed the incident seriously and would not compromise with the parties involved.

“Any form of violence, misconduct or breach of discipline does not reflect the values, integrity and professionalism upheld by the Malaysian armed forces.

“My ministry will ensure justice is served.

“I have ordered the armed forces to strengthen discipline and integrity in their ranks through stern action to ensure such an incident does not occur again,” he said in a statement.