Investigation body set up to determine cause of incident at air force training camp

The investigation body established by the Royal Malaysian Air Force to identify the cause of the accident involving its personnel at the Syed Sirajuddin Camp in Gemas near Seremban will comprise a panel of experts, especially in the field of explosives.

Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan said the investigation would be carried out in detail, covering various aspects including the possibility of a violation of SOPs during the support weapon and hand grenade training session.

"We can't have just anyone (as investigators), we must have people who are experts and trained in the handling of explosives for us to identify the cause of the incident.

"I can't be certain when it will be resolved but the investigation body has been appointed… Air Force Chief (Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan) went to the scene this morning to check out the condition there. There is a witness who is an expert in the handling of explosives," he said after attending the funeral of Sendayan air base aircraftman Mohd Iqmal Masdi, 22, who was killed in the incident.

Corporal Syuib Bidin, 33, who was injured in the 12.10pm incident succumbed to his injuries at 5.45pm while being treated at Hospital Segamat in Johor while another trainer, Corporal Khairuzaman Lokman, 35, is reported to be in stable condition.

Mohamad said the existing SOPs for the use of weapons were already strict, prepared by experts in explosives, and that each trainee is accompanied by a trainer during training.

"The incident occurred inside a bunker, that's why the investigation must be done carefully, all kinds of things can happen when dealing with explosives," he said.

On behalf of the Malaysian Armed Forces, he also expressed sadness over the passing of their members and asked the public not to make speculations that could hurt their feelings.

Iqmal was laid to rest at 6.30pm at the Kampung Rawa Ulu Muslim Cemetery in Lenggeng in a military funeral ceremony attended by more than 500 personnel.