GURUN: Two military personnel were injured in the legs while undergoing firearms training at Kem Hobart here.
It was believed that the incident that happened on Monday (June 29) was due to technical issues with the weapons they were training with.
Kedah Police Chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said that in the incident at about 6.05pm, a 35-year-old trainer with the rank of Sergeant had to receive eight stitches on his right thigh near the knee, reported Sinar Harian.
According to him, another victim, a 29-year-old corporal, was injured in the base of his left knee and is still receiving further treatment at the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital (HSAH) here.
"Initial investigations found that the injuries suffered by both victims were not caused by bullets, but rather by fragments of objects or foreign materials that were thrown after an explosion occurred in the weapon.
"During training, the weapon experienced a stoppage or stopped on its own. According to the standard operating procedure (SOP), safety measures were taken by emptying the weapon and placing it in a safe place, but when the inspection was carried out, a part of the weapon suddenly exploded," he said.
He said this when met by the media at the Jeniang Police Station here on Tuesday (June 30).
According to him, doctors confirmed that the victim's injuries were not caused by gunshots.
It is understood that the incident occurred during a training exercise involving approximately 300 members from a camp in Perlis that began on June 28 and is scheduled to end on Thursday (July 2).
Adzli said the police forensic team, together with weapons experts from the Armed Forces, were still conducting inspections at the scene.
According to him, the investigation is being conducted under Section 37 of the Arms Act 1960.
Previously, the media reported that two soldiers were killed by a bomb explosion while undergoing training at the same camp on June 16.
According to Adzli, the investigation into the bomb explosion incident has been completed and is classified as a case of sudden death.
"The investigation into the bomb case was previously completed at the police level. However, detailed investigations regarding the technical aspects were handed over to the military," he said.
In another development, he also informed that upgrading works at Jeniang Police Station are underway to improve the operational facilities and comfort of personnel.
Therefore, Jeniang Police Station is temporarily closed to the public and any business will be transferred to Jeniang Police Station starting July 2.
