PETALING JAYA: Two soldiers involved in the incident at Kem Hobart in Kedah were injured after a jammed firearm suddenly exploded, sending shrapnel flying and hitting both of them in their leg, says the Army.
"The incident involved two personnel from the Fourth Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (4 RRD), namely Sarjan Mohamad Firdaus Che Shaharudin and Kpl Felix Franchis," it said In a statement on Tuesday (June 30), adding that the incident occurred during a Combat Enhancement Exercise (LPT) at the firing range on June 29.
"During a live-fire training session, the weapons used by both soldiers jammed. Both immediately carried out required safety procedures to address this.
"However, an unexpected explosion suddenly occurred, and both suffered leg injuries after being struck by shrapnel," said the Army.
It said the soldiers received immediate medical attention at the scene before being taken to Hospital Sik for further treatment.
Both are now in stable condition.
"Sarjan Mohamad Firdaus received outpatient treatment and has been allowed to return to his unit, while Korporal Felix is currently receiving further treatment and observation at Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim.
"The Army has established a board of inquiry to thoroughly investigate the exact cause of the incident.
"The firing range has also been temporarily closed for the investigation process.
"We view this incident seriously and will ensure that safety measures and standard operating procedures during training are always prioritised," it said.
On June 16, two soldiers, Kpl Norazmi Abu Bakar of the Sixth Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (6 RAMD) and Prebet Siti Khadijah Sungip of the RAJD's First Squadron were killed at the same camp during a grenade-throwing exercise.
