SEMPORNA: A soldier was found dead while another has been reported missing during duty at the PDRM–Armed Forces joint post on Mataking Island yesterday.

The Joint Task Force 2 confirmed the incident, involving two personnel from Company 5, 5th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (5 RAMD), who were carrying out Op Pasir Sector Semporna Series 3/2025.

It was learnt that at about 6pm, the two soldiers were found to be absent during a routine roll call. A search operation was immediately launched with the assistance of all personnel at the location, before seeking help from a nearby resort boat.

At 9.25pm, the search team discovered one of the soldiers, Private Muhammad Irfan Haiqal Abdullah, 20, unconscious on the island's shoreline.

"The resort's medical team immediately administered CPR, but the victim was later confirmed dead," a source said.

The body was sent to Semporna Hospital for further action.

The other soldier, Private Muhammad Zulkarnain Jaffar, 27, is still missing. Search and rescue (SAR) efforts are ongoing with the assistance of army and resort boats, as well as other agencies, including the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and Sahabat forces.

The incident is believed to have stemmed from a drowning, but further investigations are underway.

Authorities said updates on the operation will be provided from time to time.

no idea. Just weird. How can both soldiers can like that 1?

Maybe just a temporary reason while they investigate.

Why would they patrol in a boat ? Dont they have a police-army outpost sana? They are supposed to be stationed there no?