Missing Soldier's Family To Visit Pulau Mataking Incident Site - Army Chief

PORT DICKSON, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- The next of kin of Private Muhammad Zulkarnain Jaffar from the 5th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (5 RAMD), who has been missing since Sept 12 while on duty during Op Pasir in the waters off Pulau Mataking, Sabah, will be taken to the incident location. 

Army Chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan said during a welfare visit to the family of the missing soldier, they requested to see the incident location.

“I was informed that there was a request from Muhammad Zulkarnain's next-of-kin through the Joint Task Force Headquarters (ATB 2) to visit the incident site, and we deeply respect that.

“The request was approved today, and his family, including his father, stepmother, and uncle, will be taken to Pulau Mataking, the location where he was on duty, to see the place for themselves,” he said at the Passing Out Parade of Male Recruits Series 203/2025 here today.

He said that the operations related to the incident were solely under the supervision of ATB 2, however, they are keeping a close eye on the situation since the soldier involved is from the Army.

“While operational control is under ATB 2, we are actively monitoring the developments of this case. Additionally, we are committed to providing support and assistance to alleviate the burden and suffering of the soldier's family,” he said.

It was reported that two soldiers from 5 RAMD's C Company went missing while carrying out Op Pasir Sector Semporna Series 3/2025 at the incident location.

One of the victims, Private Muhammad Irfan Haiqal Abdullah, 20, was found unconscious and later pronounced dead after receiving medical assistance, while Muhammad Zulkarnain is yet to be found.

At today's passing-out parade, 1,123 male recruits from Series 203/25 completed their six-month basic Army training, which began on March 5. This series marks the highest participation from Sarawak, which contributed 213 recruits, followed by Sabah with 159.

Corporal Ishak Hidayat and Staff Sergeant Abdul Aziz Ahmad were awarded the Army Dagger Award for their bravery and excellence in performing duties beyond their official tasks.

Both soldiers made the nation and the Armed Forces proud by achieving outstanding results at the 2025 Mr Asia Bodybuilding Championship, where they secured the Champion and Runner-up titles in their respective categories.

-- BERNAMA