Malaysia police to investigate death of commando officer in live shooting demonstration

SINGAPORE — The Malaysian police have pledged to conduct a “thorough investigation” into the death of an army commando officer who died during a live shooting demonstration in Sabah on Wednesday (Sept 6), saying they are not ruling out foul play or negligence.

Major Mohd Zahir Armaya, the son of popular Malaysian actor AR Badul, died after being shot during a demonstration that involved a clash between the armed forces and a group of “terrorists” at Lok Kawi Camp in Sabah, media reports said. 

All the participants wore bulletproof vests.

Malaysia’s Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said that a probe would be carried out to determine the cause of the incident, Bernama reported.

Penampang police chief, Deputy Superintendent Harib Ibrahim, told The Star that the police were exploring the case for negligence or elements of foul play.

They are also looking into whether there were any problems with the bulletproof vest worn by the officer, though initial investigations suggested that the bullet had hit him outside the vest, Mr Harib said.

LIVE FIRING DEMONSTRATION

The demonstration was held in conjunction with the launch of Malaysia’s Fifth Division Infantry and the 13th Infantry Brigade.

The Star reported that as part of the demonstration, Mohd Zahir was to shoot at a soldier who would then return fire.

However, the soldier apparently missed his mark and the bullet struck Mohd Zahir in an area not protected by his bulletproof vest, causing him to fall.

Mohd Zahir appeared unconscious and was believed to have suffered serious injuries.

He received first aid from military medics before being sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu, where he was pronounced dead.

TRIBUTES

More than 1,000 people paid their last respects to Mohd Zahir at Wardieburn Camp mosque on Thursday.

Among the dignitaries present at the mosque were Malaysia’s Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, the King’s senior private secretary, Kol (B) Nazim Mohd Alim, as well as chiefs of the army and navy.

Mohd Zahir’s father AR Badul said he accepted the untimely death of his son.

“I accept this as fate and a test from God,” Mr Badul said in a news report. “I was told that the bullet went a little further than the bulletproof plaque and hit his body.”

Mohd Zahir’s uncle, Mr Mirdat Mohd, said the family wished for a fair investigation, trial and closure to the incident.

“If this was negligence, hopefully it would not happen again in the future,” Mr Mirdat said. “We hope no one will politicise it, too.”

After the funeral prayers at Wardieburn Camp were completed, Mohd Zahir’s body was taken to the Tambun Muslim cemetery in Ipoh to be buried.

He leaves behind a widow and five children, aged between five months and nine years old. AGENCIES