Tragic loss: Masdi showing a photo of Mohd Iqmal on his phone in Kampung Rawa Hulu, Lenggeng. Trainee Mohd Iqmal died on the spot during weapons training in Gemas, while trainer Mohd Syuib succumbed to his injuries at Segamat Hospital. — Bernama
Police: Statements being taken from all present at training site
SEREMBAN: Police will record the statements of all those present during a weapons training exercise at the Syed Sirajuddin camp in Gemas where an accident caused the deaths of two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) personnel.
State police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yussof said his officers have started investigations at the camp. “The probe began soon after we received a report of the incident on Sunday.
“As of now, we are probing it under sudden death. We will be recording statements from all those who were present at the training site,” he told reporters when met at the state police contingent here.
Air Force trainee Lt Mohd Iqmal Masdi, 22, died on the spot at 12.10pm, while Kpl Mohd Syuib Bidin, 33, a trainer, succumbed to his injuries at the Segamat Hospital around 5.45pm.
Mohd Iqmal was buried at the Kg Rawa Hulu cemetery in Lenggeng near here while Mohd Syuib’s remains were flown to his wife’s village in Kemaman, Terengganu for burial.
Another victim who was injured, Kpl Khairuzaman Lokman, 35, is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. His condition is stable.
All three were from the Sendayan Air Base Institute of Administration and Studies.
The RMAF is setting up an Investigation Board to look into the incident.
It urged all parties not to speculate until the investigation process was completed and to respect the sensitivity of the families.
When met at his home in Lenggeng near here, Mohd Iqmal’s 57-year-old father Masdi Md Isa accepted his son’s death as God’s will.
He said although his son died during a training session, he was a national hero to him.
“This is God’s will. It is not the fault of the Air Force. I hope this will not be turned into an issue,” he said.
Masdi said his son joined the Air Force two years ago and was happy with his career.
He last met Mohd Iqmal last week before he returned to the Sendayan camp.
“I managed to hug him one last time before he left. He told me that he wouldn’t be coming home during the weekend as he had to attend training.”
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan expressed his condolences.
“My condolences to the families of the late Kpl Mohd Syuib Bidin and Lt Mohd Iqmal Masdi. The soldiers fell during training to defend the country.
“May the family members be given strength and perseverance in accepting their fate,” he said in a Facebook post.
