THE Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will improve and tighten the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the management and handling of its weapons following deaths of four personnel who were killed in a shooting at camp in Kota Samarahan, Kuching, on August 13.

Deputy Defence Minister Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz said the incident was being studied and under probe by the inquiry board set up by RMAF to prevent its recurrence.

He said the incident was an isolated case that occurred during training in weapons handling.

“What happened (shooting incident) was unexpected and regrettable….God willing, the RMAF chief (General Ackbal Abdul Samad ) will disclose  the investigation report by the board.”

He said this in reply to a supplementary question from Rubiah Wang (GPS-Kota Samarahan) on measures taken by the Defence Ministry to avoid the recurrence of such an incident.

Ikmal said the ministry also provided psychological and counselling services for all RMAF personnel in line with its need to tackle the mental health issue which could affect their state of preparedness.

“The incident has definitely been traumatic for the RMAF personnel (at the camp) and the families of those involved,” he said.

He said the RMAF had provided counselling for those affected by the shooting. – Bernama, October 6, 2021.