BANDAR BANDING, PERAK, 30 November 2024 – A tragic incident occurred during Operation KOTA, ECHO, FOXTROT Series 6/2024, involving nine Malaysian Army personnel patrolling near Sungai Merah along the Malaysia-Thailand border. Around 0800 hours, a sudden flash flood swept through the area, reportedly carrying the soldiers downstream.

Of the nine personnel, seven were rescued and declared safe by 1230 hours. However, two soldiers were reported missing:

1. Lance Corporal Mohd Afandi bin Jahwin – from the 21 Commando Unit, Kem Sungai Udang, Melaka.

2. Lance Corporal Ahmad Zulhilmi bin Ahmad Tamizi – from the 22 Commando Unit, Kem Iskandar Mersing.

On 1 December 2024, at 6:00 PM, the body of Lance Corporal Mohd Afandi bin Jahwin, a native of Matu, Sarawak, was discovered approximately 3 km from the troop’s base. He was confirmed dead by the Search and Rescue (SAR) team. Tragically, Lance Corporal Ahmad Zulhilmi bin Ahmad Tamizi, from Kampung Padang Limau, Sungai Petani, Kedah, remains missing.

Condolences from the Army Leadership
General Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan, Chief of the Army, expressed profound grief over the loss of one of their own. He extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Lance Corporal Mohd Afandi and prayed for his peace in the afterlife. The Army also urged the nation to pray for the safe recovery of Lance Corporal Ahmad Zulhilmi.

Efforts to locate the missing soldier are ongoing, with SAR teams working tirelessly under challenging conditions.