TDM Reviewing SOP For Training, Including Training For PALAPES - Army Chief

GEMAS, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Army (TDM) is reviewing its standard operating procedures (SOP) for training, including those for the Reserve Officer Training Unit (PALAPES).

Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan said the SOP include improving the health screening process, which must be more thorough before training begins.

"This is because it is a high-risk training involving the use of live ammunition, which aims to test and enhance the resilience, confidence, and courage of the trained personnel and officers.

"This (PALAPES) training is conducted for 112 participants per session. Over 20 officers and trainers are assigned to supervise the exercise. The training is also brief, only taking about 15 minutes," he told reporters after witnessing the 2025 Live Fire Exercise (LKT) at the shooting range in Syed Sirajuddin Camp today.

Also present were Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar.

Previously, a PALAPES cadet from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Skudai, Johor, Syamsul Haris Shamsudin, 22, was reported to have died while undergoing PALAPES UTM training at the Army Combat Training Centre (PULADA) in Ulu Tiram, Johor. The cause of death was unclear and uncertain.

The second-semester Cyber Security Bachelor's Degree student at UTM, who was the eldest of three siblings, had joined the PALAPES UTM training on July 26, which was scheduled to end on August 3.

Muhammad Hafizuddeain said the findings of the investigation into the trainee's death, conducted by the TDM investigation committee, would be finalised today and therefore, urged the public not to speculate on the incident.

"The incident that befell him is deeply regretted. Even though it occurred during a planned training session, we are very sad. Although he was a cadet officer, he was one of us," he said, adding that the training the deceased participated in complied with the established SOP.

In other developments, he said the TDM is always open to any proposals from any party to supply aircraft that meet the specified capabilities and features, especially the Black Hawk helicopter.

Regarding the LKT, he said it involved approximately 2,500 personnel from all three branches of the Armed Forces. For the first time, the Johor Military Force (JMF) also participated in the exercise, which aims to enhance professionalism and test doctrines and procedures.

He added that this LKT also focused on modern integration, showcasing the acquisition of Flyeye drones or UAS for real-time intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat damage assessment missions.

When asked if the LKT was a reaction to the current regional tensions, he said such exercises are to ensure that the TDM is always at the highest level of readiness to handle any potential threats and protect the country's sovereignty.

"We cannot deny that the tensions in this region serve as a wake-up call for all of us that national security should not be taken lightly. This exercise also serves as a message or warning to any party that tries to disrupt the country's security," he said.

--- BERNAMA