JOHOR BARU, Malaysia: An army private attached with the 10th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment base at the Majidee Camp here is believed to have been severely beaten up by his senior officers for a minor disciplinary offence.

It is learnt that he suffered numerous injuries, including a broken arm, and was held under solitary confinement for several hours before he was released.

A fellow soldier, who wished to remain anonymous, said the alleged beating occurred on Nov 3. He and the 27-year-old victim had been stationed at the army post of Tanjung Sepang in Teluk Ramunia, Pengerang since Oct 6.

The battalion's main duty there was to curb entry of illegal immigrants who used the area as a landing ground for their boats.

According to the soldier, the victim was ordered to meet his officers over some disciplinary problems about 10.30pm that day. He was then sent back to his section about 5am the next day.

The soldier alleged that his colleague was badly beaten up.

Besides the broken arm and bruises all over his body, the victim was believed to have been whipped with a computer connection cable. He also had a bruise on the thigh.

It was learnt that the victim had lodged two reports on Nov 4 and 5 over the abuse at the Sungei Rengit police station.

Kota Tinggi police chief Superintendent Osman Muhammad Sebot said that investigations were ongoing.