VETERAN comedian and actor AR Badul said he has accepted the untimely death of his son, Major Mohd Zahir Armaya, who was killed during a training session in Sabah this morning, the New Straits Times reported.

Badul, whose real name is Armaya Aman Ramlie, said he was aware of the risks commandos faced.

“I accept this test from Allah,” Badul said, adding he learned of the incident about 11am today.

Zahir died about 9.20am after being shot by a fellow officer at 8.55am during a live shooting demonstration earlier today.

He died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, about 14km from the army base camp.

It is understood that during the demonstration, Zahir, playing the role of a terrorist, was seen wielding a samurai sword before firing a live bullet towards the Fifth Division team and 14th Brigade Infantry.

An officer then returned fire and Zahir was seen slumping to the ground. Zahir was wearing a bulletproof vest. 

The shot from behind had apparently missed the target, hitting the top of the bulletproof vest plate worn by Zahir.

Zahir was taken to the edge of the marching field soaked in blood before being given first aid by other officers.

He was unresponsive when arriving at Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s emergency unit.

“What happened was that he was shot during a training session this morning. The bulletproof vest he wore could not withstand the shot and this is very sad,” said Badul.

Badul has six children, with Zahir being the eldest of two from the comedian’s third wife.

Zahir leaves behind his wife, Nourshafinar Harun, and three children – a 6-month-old baby boy with Nourshafinar and two from a previous marriage.

Army chief General Ahmad Hasbullah Mohd Nawawi, meanwhile, described Zahir’s death as a loss for the armed forces.

Hasbullah said Zahir died a martyr, and extended his condolences to his family.

“The armed forces are handling the funeral arrangements and taking care of the welfare (of the victim’s family),” Hasbullah said in a statement.

“The armed forces will establish an investigation board to identify the cause of the incident.” 

Hasbullah said demonstration exercises had been carried out at the army base beginning August 26, and added that this morning’s tragedy was unexpected.

The demonstration was part of a programme held in conjunction with the launch of the Fifth Division of the Malaysian Infantry and the 13th Malaysian Infantry Brigade at the Lok Kawi Camp. – September 4, 2019.