KUALA LUMPUR: A video showing an aircraft seen in Malaysian airspace has sparked concern among local citizens.
The viral video posted on Twitter by user Jalal Misai captured the aircraft flying over Klang with the caption: "It just passed by Kampung Jawa, Klang. I don't know where it's heading. When escorted like that, what are they usually carrying?"
User Muhammad Haziq Hafizan (Capt) replied to clarify the presence of the aircraft and to allay concerns by citizens.
Haziq said Malaysians, especially those living around Subang and Klang, should not panic if they see any military aircraft in the airspace, which has increased in recent days.
"It is normal for any foreign military aircraft to land in Subang for refuelling and replenishing supplies before heading to distant destinations like Australia.
"Permission has certainly been granted for them to fly and land in Malaysia," he said.
He said the aircraft seen in the video belongs to the Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force).
"The aircraft consists of Boeing KC-767 and F-35A fighter jets. They stopped in Subang for refuelling before heading to Darwin, Australia.
"This is to participate in the International Military Exercise Pitch Black 2024. The exercise also involves the Royal Malaysian Air Force," he said.
User @edliew_VL added that one of the Italian aircraft had encountered technical issues and required a parts change, hence today's takeoff.
Meanwhile, Haziq added that he should clarify this before someone starts making false postings or tweets, spreading unnecessary panic.
Previously, 103 RMAF personnel had departed Butterworth Air Base for the largest multinational air combat exercise, the Pitch Black Exercise 2024 in Australia.
The exercise, from today to Aug 2, will see the participation of 37 officers and 66 enlisted personnel, along with three F/A-18D Hornet fighter jets and one Airbus A400M transport aircraft.
The biennial exercise is operated primarily from the Royal Australian Air Force bases in Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley.