SENIOR VAT 69 COMMANDO LAID TO REST IN IPOH WITH FULL POLICE HONOURS

IPOH, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- The remains of a senior VAT 69 commando, Inspector Khairil Azhar Kamaruddin, who died during a diving training at Mataking Island, Semporna, Sabah yesterday, has been laid to rest at the Kariah Masjid Jamek Tanjung Rambutan Muslim Cemetery here at 6.10 pm today.

The body of the deceased, who was in his early 40s, was flown from Tawau Airport aboard a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) C130 aircraft and arrived at the Air Operations Force Training Base (PLPGU) at 3.20 pm.

Meanwhile, a sombre atmosphere enveloped the compound of Masjid Saidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq at the General Operations Force (PGA) Northern Brigade in Ulu Kinta as the remains arrived for funeral prayers, attended by more than 500 family members, colleagues and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) personnel.

Among those present to pay their last respects were the Internal Security and Public Order acting director Datuk Fisol Salleh and senior PDRM officers.

The burial ceremony was conducted in accordance with PDRM honours, in recognition of Khairil Azhar’s service and sacrifice.

Yesterday, it was reported that the deceased lost consciousness at about 10.25 am while undergoing a diving exercise at Mataking Island, near the joint PDRM-Malaysian Armed Forces post.

Khairil Azhar was administered first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before being evacuated from the training site and transported by boat to Semporna Hospital for further treatment.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said a detailed investigation would be conducted into the incident.

The investigation aims to determine its cause, including an assessment of training procedures, equipment usage, and health and safety factors, in accordance with established regulations and standard operating procedures.

-- BERNAMA