Helicopters, K9 Unit deployed in search for missing soldier in Limbang as SAR operation enters 10th day

Logo of the Malaysian Armed Forces.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 27: Helicopters from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), along with the police K9 Unit were among the assets deployed to aid in the search for a missing soldier around Ulu Mendalam area in Limbang today.

In a press statement today, MAF Public Relation Cell stated that the search and rescue (SAR) operation, which has entered its 10th day, is still ongoing to locate Private Muhammad Syafiq Hilmi Abdul Halim, a member of the 7th Battalion of the Border Regiment stationed at Kidurong Camp, Bintulu.

The RMAF’s EC 725 helicopter and the MAF’s LOH (AW 109) Agusta helicopter have been mobilised for the air search, which has been intensified with assistance from the Royal Malaysian Police’s K9 Unit on the ground.

The search is also supported by members of the RMAF’s Combat Air Rescue, the police’s General Operations Team (PGA), and the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (Jupem), who are currently conducting surveying work.

In the Brunei Darussalam sector, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) have also conducted search operations within the search radius.

The Armed Forces expressed commitment to this operation and hope that the public will pray for the soldier’s safe return.

They also urge the public not to make any speculations that could interfere with the search and rescue mission.

Private Muhammad Syafiq went missing on June 18 at about 12pm while providing security escort duty for the Jupem Sarawak team conducting a survey from Ulu Tutong to Bebuloh in Limbang, along the Malaysia-Brunei border. — DayakDaily