TWO soldiers from Bukit Cowder Camp, Perlis, were injured while undergoing heavy weapons training at the Hobart Camp Shooting Range, at about 6.05 pm yesterday.
The victims were a 29-year-old corporal who was taking part in the training and a 35-year-old sergeant who was acting as a trainer.
Kedah Police Chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said the trainer suffered an injury to his right thigh and received eight stitches, but was allowed to go home after receiving treatment at the Sik Hospital.
He said the trainee suffered an injury to his left knee and was still receiving treatment at the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital, Sungai Petani, as he is suspected of suffering nerve damage following heavy bleeding.
According to him, the incident occurred after the weapon used experienced a technical malfunction during the training.
"The weapon was then emptied and placed on the ground according to standard operating procedures (SOP) for examination. However, suddenly, there was an explosion that injured both personnel involved.
"The initial doctor's report confirmed that both victims did not suffer injuries from being hit by bullets," he said at a press conference at the Jeniang Police Station, today, after visiting the scene of the incident with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) forensic team and Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) weapons experts.
Adzli said initial investigations found that the injuries suffered by both victims were believed to have been caused by fragments that bounced off during the explosion, but the actual cause is still awaiting the results of forensic examinations and ATM weapons experts.
He said the training took place under the administration of the 6th Brigade Headquarters from June 28 to July 2, involving about 300 personnel from the Bukit Cowder Camp and included light and heavy weapons training.
He said police had opened an investigation under Section 37 of the Arms Act 1960, and so far, five to six witnesses have been identified to assist the investigation.
Meanwhile, commenting on the grenade explosion incident that killed two soldiers at Hobart Camp on June 16, he said the police investigation into the case had been completed, while further investigation was now being continued by the ATM.
“The police investigation classified the case as sudden death,” he said. – June 30, 2026
