SEMPORNA: A soldier was found dead, while another is still missing following an operation on Mataking Island near here on Friday (Sept 13).
The Joint Task Force (ATB) 2 Headquarters said in a statement that the deceased has been identified as Private Muhammad Irfan Haiqal Abdullah, 20, while the missing soldier is Private Muhammad Zulkarnain Jaffar, 27.
The two soldiers were carrying out Ops PPASIR Sektor Semporna Series 3/2025 on Mataking Island before being reported missing, it said.
Private Muhammad Irfan Haiqal Abdullah was found unconscious and was pronounced dead at the scene after medical personnel attended to him.
"Another soldier, Private Muhammad Zulkarnain Jaffar, has yet to be found. Search and rescue (SAR) operations are ongoing in collaboration with various agencies, including the MMEA (Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency),” the statement said.
Further investigations into the incident, believed to have been caused by drowning, are underway.
"Any updates on the incident will be provided from time to time,” the statement added. — Bernama
