Malaysian Army Suspends Grenade Training After Fatal Camp Blast
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Malaysian army training involving grenades has been suspended following a fatal blast that killed two soldiers.
- The incident occurred during a combat enhancement exercise at Kem Hobart in Gurun, Kedah.
- An investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause, and aid will be provided to the victims' families.
The Malaysian army has immediately halted all grenade training at Kem Hobart in Gurun, Kedah, pending a thorough investigation into a deadly explosion that claimed the lives of two army personnel on June 16. Army chief Azhan Md Othman confirmed the suspension, stating that the committee's findings will guide follow-up actions. "Grenade exercises have been immediately stopped to allow space for investigations to be conducted," Azhan said. "The cause of the incident will be investigated by a committee that has been set up." He also assured that full aid and compensation would be channeled to the families of the deceased. The blast occurred during a grenade-throwing exercise as part of a combat enhancement training program led by the Second Infantry Division. The deceased were identified as Corporal Norazmi Abu Bakar of the Sixth Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment, and Private Siti Khadijah Sungip of the First Squadron Royal Engineers Regiment. Both soldiers sustained severe injuries from the explosion and were rushed to Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim, where they were pronounced dead en route. Their remains are to be sent to Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah for post-mortem examinations.
Grenade exercises have been immediately stopped to allow space for investigations to be conducted. The cause of the incident will be investigated by a committee that has been set up. Follow-up actions will be based on the findings of the investigation.
Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.