THE Malaysian Army will hold an inquiry into the death of Major Mohd Zahir Armaya who was killed during a commando demonstration today.

In a statement issued today, the army said the 35-year-old major had undergone training for the commando demonstration since August 26, but tragedy struck during the launching of the Fifth Division Infantry and the 13th Brigade Infantry at the Lok Kawi Army Camp earlier today. 

Army chief general Ahmad Hasbullah Mohd Nawawi expressed his condolences to Zahir’s family and described his death as a great loss for the army. 

Zahir was shot during a commando demonstration at around 8.55am today, after a bullet shot by a fellow soldier strayed off from the bulletproof vest plate and struck Zahir from behind. 

He was unresponsive when sent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital emergency unit, some 14km away from the army camp. 

He was pronounced dead at 9.20am. 

Zahir is the son of well-known Malaysian actor AR Badul.

Sabah Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal expressed his sympathy to Zahir’s family. 

“We hope Zahir’s family will continue to be strong and patient,” he said in a brief statement from Kota Kinabalu. 

Meanwhile, Penampang district police chief deputy superintendent Mohd Haris Ibrahim said the case is being investigated under Section 304A of the Penal Code for causing death.

“Police received a report at 10am this morning and questioned a soldier on the incident,” he said. 

Zahir’s mother, who is from Tuaran, arrived at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Forensic Unit at around noon. 

She was accompanied by lawyer Ansari Abdullah, who is also Zahir’s uncle.

Zahir’s remains will be placed at the Lok Kawi As Salam mosque before being flown back to Peninsular Malaysia. – September 4, 2019.