Veteran actor-comedian A.R. Badul shocked to hear of commando son's death

PETALING JAYA: Well-known actor-comedian A.R. Badul was in shock on learning that his son had been killed by a live bullet during an army exhibition at the Lok Kawi army camp in Kota Kinabalu.

"Yes, the news about my son is true and we are now waiting for news from the army in Sabah.

"The body will be brought back and buried in Ipoh," the 70-year-old veteran artiste told mStar, Star Media Group's Malay-language news portal.

Mejar Mohd Zahir Armaya, 36, leaves behind his wife and five children.

The incident happened on Wednesday (Sept 4) when Mejar Zahir was taking part in an army exhibition attended by senior army officers in conjunction with the launching of the 5th Infantry Division and 13th Infantry Brigade at the army camp.

Mejar Zahir's body is expected to be brought to Wardieburn Camp in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, for funeral prayers before he is laid to rest in Ipoh.

According to mStar, Mejar Zahir sent his final text message to his wife, Nour Shafinar Harun, 31, to tell her that he was up for his last exhibition.

She also confirmed that her husband had died after he was hit by a shot from a rifle.

"I was notified of the news and told that the shot strayed slightly and went above the bullet-proof vest he had on," she said.

Mejar Zahir was a senior military member with the Gerak Khas 11th Regiment.

mStar reported that during the incident, Mejar Zahir was part of a demonstration team that was set to perform at 8.30am.

It said his demonstration team was the third performance that morning, adding that Mejar Zahir was wearing all-white with a mask.

He was performing as a "criminal" and was expected to be shot by a soldier.

However, the shot fired by a fellow soldier strayed and hit him, the report added.

Mejar Zahir was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he died.

In a statement later, the Malaysian Army said it would form a special committee to investigate the incident.

"The simulation had been ongoing since Aug 19 but on the proper demonstration day, there was a fatal situation.

"The Malaysian Army will form a special investigation committee to identify the cause of the incident," said the public relations department of the Malaysian Army.