Army Chief orders full safety review after grenade training blast kills two soldiers

THE Malaysian Army has ordered a full-scale investigation into a fatal training accident that claimed the lives of two soldiers during a live-grenade exercise at Hobart Camp near Gurun in Kedah, raising fresh concerns over safety procedures in military combat drills.

Army Chief General Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman said an executive inquiry had been initiated following the explosion during Grenade Throwing Training as part of the Royal Engineer Regiment (RAJD) Combat Enhancement Exercise conducted by the Second Malaysian Infantry Division at 10.57am on Tuesday.

The soldiers who died were identified as Corporal Norazmi Abu Bakar of the Sixth Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment, and Private Siti Khadijah Sungip of the First Squadron, Royal Engineer Regiment.

According to the Malaysian Army, both personnel sustained severe injuries when the explosion occurred during the live-fire training session.

They were rushed for emergency medical treatment at Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital in Sungai Petani but were pronounced dead while being transported to the facility.

The incident occurred during a combat readiness exercise designed to strengthen operational capabilities and tactical proficiency among engineering units under the Second Infantry Division.

Military authorities immediately activated emergency response procedures following the blast, while police and military investigators were notified and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

The remains of the two soldiers will be taken to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar for post-mortem examinations as part of the investigation process.

Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, General Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and urged them to remain strong in facing the loss of their loved ones.

The Army Chief also directed that all aspects of the incident be thoroughly examined, including operational safety measures governing live-fire exercises, to determine the cause of the explosion and identify any improvements required to prevent a recurrence.

The Malaysian Army said it remains committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety during training operations and pledged that any necessary enhancements arising from the investigation would be implemented without delay. - June 16, 2026