Kuala lumpur: The next of kin of Private Muhammad Zulkarnain Jaffar from the 5th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (5 RAMD), who has been missing since September 12 while on duty during Operation Pasir in the waters off Pulau Mataking, Sabah, will be taken to the incident location. Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan revealed that during a welfare visit to the family of the missing soldier, the family expressed a desire to see the incident location.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the request from Muhammad Zulkarnain's next-of-kin was made through the Joint Task Force Headquarters (ATB 2) and has been approved. His family, including his father, stepmother, and uncle, will be escorted to Pulau Mataking to witness the site where he was last on duty. The army chief made this announcement during the Passing Out Parade of Male Recruits Series 203/2025.
The operations related to the incident are under the supervision of ATB 2, but the army is actively monitoring the situation due to the involvement of one of their soldiers. The Army Chief emphasized the commitment to support and assist the family during this difficult time.
Reports indicate that two soldiers from 5 RAMD's C Company went missing while conducting Operation Pasir Sector Semporna Series 3/2025. Private Muhammad Irfan Haiqal Abdullah, 20, was found unconscious and later pronounced dead after medical intervention, while Private Muhammad Zulkarnain remains missing.
In a separate note, the passing-out parade saw 1,123 male recruits from Series 203/25 complete their six-month basic Army training, which commenced on March 5. This series had the highest participation from Sarawak, contributing 213 recruits, followed by Sabah with 159.
Additionally, Corporal Ishak Hidayat and Staff Sergeant Abdul Aziz Ahmad received the Army Dagger Award for their exemplary service. They also represented the nation with distinction at the 2025 Mr Asia Bodybuilding Championship, securing the Champion and Runner-up titles in their respective categories.