GERIK: A soldier was found dead, believed to have drowned, while another remains missing during an operation in the Royal Belum forest.
The soldier found dead has been identified as Lance Corporal Mohd Afandi Jahwin, in his 20s, while Lance Corporal Ahmad Zulhilmi Ahmad Tamizi, also in his 20s, is still missing.
Gerik police chief Superintendent Zulkifli Mahmood confirmed that the incident involving the two soldiers was reported at 8.56am today.
Initial investigations revealed that the two soldiers, along with seven others, were attempting to cross the Sungai Merah around 6.00pm last Friday, but were unable to cross due to the strong current.
The soldiers were on the Operation Kota Echo/Foxtrot mission in the Royal Belum area when the incident occurred. A search and rescue operation by police and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) found one soldier's body, drowned.
"One victim was found dead, while the other remains missing," Zulkifli said in a statement.