Missing soldier found; DPM thanks M’sian and Brunei military

KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has expressed his gratitude to the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces for locating a missing soldier from the 7th Battalion Border Regiment.

Private Muhammad Syafiq Hilmi Abdul Halim was reported missing on June 18 while carrying out Ops Ukur with the Sarawak Survey and Mapping Department near the Malaysia-Brunei border in Limbang.

“Thank you to the ATM and Brunei Armed Forces personnel for their efforts in the search operation, which found the soldier who had been missing for 19 days,” Fadillah said.

He said this to reporters after officiating at the closing ceremony of the B2 Class My Licence Assistance programme at Al Abyad Mosque, Matang on Saturday (July 6).

Syafiq, stationed at Camp Kidurong in Bintulu, was found around 11.29 am on Saturday.

A spokesman from the army’s Eastern Field Army Headquarters stated that he was found safe but in a weakened condition.

In an official statement, the army reported that Syafiq followed trail markers placed around the search area until he reached the forward operating base team.

He was found with his equipment and weapons intact but was weak due to hunger and dehydration.

“He was given initial treatment by medical personnel at the location,” the statement added.

The army has contacted his family, and arrangements are being made to fly them to Sarawak soon, with all travel expenses fully covered.

The army also announced that an investigation board would be established to determine the root causes of the incident and to improve existing standard operating procedures.