KUCHING: A soldier who went missing while on duty 19 days ago near the Malaysia-Brunei border has been found alive.
A spokesman from the army's Eastern Field Army Headquarters said Private Muhammad Syafiq Hilmi Abd Halim was found safe but in a weakened condition.
The army, in a statement, saidMuhammad Syafiq tracked the trail markers placed around the search area until he located the forward operating base team.
He was found safe, with his equipment and weapons intact but weak due to hunger and dehydration, it added.
"He was given initial treatment by medical personnel at the location.
"The army has contacted his family and they will be flown to Sarawak in the near future. We will fully cover all travel expenses," the statement read.
The army said it would establish an investigation board to identify the root causes of the incident and enhance the existing standard operating procedures.
"With the discovery of Private Syafiq in a safe condition, this search-and-rescue operation is concluded."
The army also thanked all agencies involved in the operation, including the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
"The close cooperation with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces in this operation has underscored the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
"Thanks are also due to the people of Malaysia for their prayers."
Syafiq went missing during Op Ukur near Limbang at the Malaysia-Brunei border on June 18.
It was recently reported that search and rescue efforts were intensified in a bid to find Syafiq, with the military helicopters and sniffer dogs from the police's K9 unit being deployed.