BANDAR BAHARU: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has confirmed that a policeman is among two suspected poachers detained in connection with the fatal shooting of a soldier during an exercise in a Sarawak forest two weeks ago.
Saifuddin said he was briefed on the matter by Sarawak police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata recently.
"During the briefing, I was informed by the Sarawak police commissioner about the involvement of a policeman and an investigation has been launched.
"That's all I can say for now, based on the briefing by the Sarawak police commissioner," he said after attending the Home Ministry's meet-the-people programme and the National Registration Department's 76th anniversary celebration at SK Permatang Pasir here today.
Present was National Registration Department director-general Badrul Hisham Alias.
Last Wednesday, Macha said police had detained two suspected poachers to assist in investigations into the fatal shooting of a 29-year-old corporal who was taking part in an exercise in the forest in Song, Sarawak, on Sept 23.
He was reported as saying that police had also seized a shotgun and ammunition believed to have been used in the incident from the two suspects, both aged 31.
Earlier it was reported that the soldier, from the 3rd Battalion Royal Ranger Regiment based at Oya Camp, Sibu, was rushed to Song Health Clinic following the incident.
The victim was later transferred to Kapit Hospital, but was pronounced dead while receiving treatment.
The soldier, originally from Pakan, Julau, was participating in the Exercise Pasak Bumi Series 2/2024 when the incident occurred.