THE cause of a tragic incident which claimed the life of one Malaysian soldier and left another missing during a border security operation at Pulau Mataking, off the coast of Sabah, remains under investigation.
Brigadier General Abd Munir Abd Rani, Commander of Joint Task Force 2, confirmed in a media statement that preliminary information suggests drowning as the likely cause, but added that a full investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.
“Efforts to locate the missing soldier are being actively pursued, and further updates will be communicated in due course,” he said on Saturday.
According to earlier reports, the incident occurred at approximately 6pm when two personnel from Company C, 5th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (5 RAMD), failed to report for a routine roll call.
A search operation was immediately launched, with assistance from nearby resort boats. One of the soldiers, Private Muhammad Irfan Haiqal Abdullah, 20, was found unconscious on the beach at around 7.25pm. Despite prompt medical intervention, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second soldier, Private Muhammad Zulkarnain Jaffar, 27, remains unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continue.
Both were engaged in Operasi PASIR (Patrol and Security Operation), Semporna Sector, Series 3/2025, a joint mission aimed at securing Malaysia’s eastern maritime border.
In a message of condolence, Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin expressed his sympathy to the family of the late Private Muhammad Irfan Haiqal Abdullah.
Writing on Facebook, he said, “May the family of the late Private Muhammad Irfan Haiqal be granted strength and patience during this difficult time. Let us all pray that he is placed among the righteous, God willing.”
The Malaysian Armed Forces, together with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and other supporting units, continue coordinated search efforts to locate the missing serviceman.
Authorities have urged the public to refrain from speculation as the investigation progresses. - September 14, 2025
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