THE search and rescue (SAR) operation for an army commando who was feared drowned while undergoing diving training in the waters of Pulau Undan, Malacca, yesterday, resumed at 8am this morning.

Malacca and Negri Sembilan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Iskandar Ishak said the operation to locate the 25-year-old soldier covered an area of 1,040sqkm.

“A forward base has been set up in Pulau Besar with the involvement of the Malaysian Armed Forces, the police, and the Fire and Rescue Department.

“Aircraft involved in the search include the MMEA’s Dolphin helicopter and the police’s King Air, while the fire department has deployed kevlar boats and armed forces has tactical boats in the area,” he said in a statement here today.

Iskandar said the MMEA was alerted to the incident at 3.55pm yesterday, adding that the soldier was believed to have gone missing during training about 0.7nm southwest of Pulau Undan.

He said a SAR operation was activated by the Johor Baru Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre at 5.15pm yesterday but no positive clues were found.

“Those with information are urged to contact the Malacca and Negri Sembilan maritime operations centre on 06-387 6730 or call 999,” he said. – Bernama, February 8, 2023.