06-07-2025
Commando dies during military diving exercise off Kuantan coast
KUALA LUMPUR: A member of Malaysian Army's elite commando unit Grup Gerak Khas (GGK) died during a military diving exercise off the coast of Kuantan, Pahang.
The victim Koperal Mohd Haswansir Julnasir, 30, from the 22nd Commando Regiment, was reported missing on July 3 while taking part in the exercises named "Exercise Seaghost Series 1/2025".
"He was last seen at around 12.15pm while conducting a diving operation using a Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus (CCBA) in the waters near Dock Port, Kuantan.
"The soldier was part of the Special Boat Squadron (SPK), a highly trained unit specialising in amphibious assaults and maritime infiltration. The exercise was part of routine high-level training to maintain operational readiness," the Army said in a statement on Sunday (July 6).
Following his disappearance, the Army launched an immediate search and rescue (SAR) operation, with assistance from various agencies.
"His body was found by a Royal Malaysian Navy surface patrol team at about 10am on July 5, some 500m from the location where he was last seen.
"All his equipment, including the CCBA gear and an M4 rifle, was found intact with the body," the Army said.
The victim's remains were sent to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan for a postmortem.
"On the evening of July 5, his body was flown home to Semporna, Sabah aboard a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) C-130 aircraft from Kuantan Air Force Base to Tawau.
"He was laid to rest at the Gusung Melanta Tesi village cemetery on Pulau Bum Bum at 2.30am the following morning," the Army said.
The Army will be establishing a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident in detail.
"We urge the public not to speculate and to respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time," it said.
Army chief Jeneral Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan expressed his condolences on behalf of the entire Army, describing the victim as a dedicated and highly skilled serviceman, whose loss is deeply felt.
