LIMBANG: A soldier was reported missing while on duty here with the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM) Sarawak.
According to a statement from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) yesterday evening (June 22), Private Muhammad Syafiq Hilmi Abd Halim went missing while on escort duty in ‘Op Ukur’ operations in the Ulu Tutong to Bebuloh survey area, along the Malaysia-Brunei border.
“The group leader on June 18, 2024, around noon noticed that he was missing from the rear position of the group.
“The incident occurred 2 kilometres above the Malaysia-Brunei border, from the Ulu Tutong border mark to the Bebuloh area,” the statement said.
The statement mentioned that a group consisting of two members of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and five members of JUPEM immediately initiated efforts to locate and find him.
However, Muhammad Syafiq has not been found despite intensified search efforts by the TDM since June 19.
Additionally, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), police and Bomba are cooperating in the search coordinated by the National Security Council (MKN).
The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) have also deployed their resources to assist in the search efforts.
“The public should not speculate, which could disrupt the search mission and also respect the feelings of the private’s family, hoping for a safe return of the soldier,” the statement added.