SIX personnel from the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) Special Forces (PASKAL) were found safe today after drifting in the South China Sea following a free-fall parachute training exercise.
The personnel are believed to have missed their designated landing position after a sudden change in weather conditions affected visibility during the exercise.
The RMN, in a statement posted on Facebook, said the incident highlighted the effectiveness of PASKAL’s continuous and realistic training in preparing its personnel to respond to unforeseen situations.
"Besides combat skills, this intensive training has proven effective in developing high levels of resilience, discipline and survival capabilities in extreme situations, in line with the slogan 'Always the Best'," it said.
The RMN reiterated its commitment to maintaining a balance between combat readiness and personnel safety to ensure the security and sovereignty of the country’s waters remain protected.
The incident comes a day after reports emerged that a group of RMN personnel had been involved in an incident following a parachute training exercise in the South China Sea. - August 13, 2026
