Kuala lumpur: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin today extended his condolences to the family of Private Muhammad Irfan Haiqal Abdullah, 20, who was found dead during an operation on Pulau Mataking, Semporna in Sabah yesterday. In a Facebook post, he prayed for the family's strength and resilience in facing the tragedy. 'Let us all pray that Allahyarham is placed among the righteous, InsyaAllah,' he said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Muhammad Irfan, from the Fifth Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (5 RAMD), was reported missing on September 12 before being found unconscious. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite receiving medical assistance. Earlier, Joint Task Force 2 (ATB 2) confirmed that one soldier was found dead, while another, Private Muhammad Zulkarnain Jaffar, 27, remains missing.

The two soldiers were carrying out 'Ops PASIR, Semporna Sector Series 3/2025' on Pulau Mataking when they were reported missing. The incident is believed to have involved drowning, though investigations are ongoing. A search and rescue operation is underway with the support of various agencies, including the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and allied units.