RMAF probes Hawk jet fleet after runway mishap at Sultan Abdul Halim Airport during LIMA ‘25 prep
KOTA TINGGI, May 8 — The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has launched a probe into the safety of its Hawk fighter aircraft fleet.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the investigation was initiated following Tuesday's incident when a Hawk fighter jet skidded off the runway while landing at Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Alor Setar.
'There were no physical injuries. RMAF has initiated an investigation to assess the safety of all its Hawk aircraft,' he told reporters after officiating the Boustead Plantations Bhd Veteran Empowerment Project at Ladang Telok Sengat earlier today.
On Tuesday, RMAF confirmed that one of its Hawk 208 fighter jets veered off the runway due to a nose landing gear malfunction while attempting to land at Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Alor Setar, Kedah.
According to RMAF's official statement, the incident occurred at approximately 5pm during an opening gambit training exercise in preparation for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA '25). — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
RMAF chief 'Gunjiz' officially hangs up his wings; accorded guard of honour
KUALA LUMPUR: General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan marked his final day in office as the 20th Royal Malaysian Air Force chief today, officially clocking out at the Defence Ministry. Asghar, whose call sign is Gunjiz, was accorded a guard of honour led by Major Tuan Mohamad Zulkhairi Tuan Mat and comprising 103 personnel and three officers from the RMAF's No. 12 Squadron. As a mark of respect and appreciation for his service, RMAF personnel carried out the traditional send-off ceremony with a street lining. Among those present to bid him farewell were top RMAF officials including Deputy RMAF chief Lieutenant-General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris, Joint Forces commander Lieutenant-General Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin and Lieutenant-General Datuk Masro Kaliwon. In a Facebook post today, RMAF expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Asghar for his 42 years of dedicated service to the nation.
Free Malaysia Today
17 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Kg Sabapathy folks' annual ‘pilgrimage' reignites true M'sian spirit
The group of residents who worked together to organise the annual unity gathering. (K Parkaran pic) KUALA KANGSAR : Nestled in the heart of the royal town of Kuala Kangsar, Perak is a tiny village called Kampung Sabapathy. Back in the '70s and '80s, there were about 50 families living here. Despite having an Indian name, the families in the village came from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Today, the village has partially disappeared due to development. However, the spirit of racial and religious harmony the residents enjoyed decades ago is still alive, thanks to a group of second- and third-generation offspring who, for the past four years, have organised annual reunions for the former folks and their children of Kampung Sabapathy. They say they yearn for the good old days when the spirit of unity among the people was strong. Sulaiman Mengadin, a third-generation Kampung Sabapathy resident, recalled the days when he had neighbours of different races and religions who'd drop by for a meal even without invitation, especially during festivals. 'My friends would come in as if it was their relative's house. My parents and grandparents would welcome them with open arms. They did not serve food which others couldn't eat, and when we went to their homes, they were careful not to serve us things that were not halal. The former residents of Kampung Sabapathy in Kuala Kangsar Perak, who came from different parts of the country just for the gathering. (K Parkaran pic) 'This was a natural understanding that was practised, no need for laws to tell us what to do. Our idea of having this gathering is to show our children the harmonious environment we enjoyed once,' he told FMT. K Kumaraguru, who has taken much pains to get this gathering going despite most of the residents having moved to other states, said his parents had instilled in him and his siblings the importance of respecting those of other races and religions. He said they would tell their children to lower the volume of their radios or televisions during Muslim prayer times, which the kids would gladly do. 'We are probably the only village which organises this kind of reunion with the sole aim of reminding all of us and our children and grandchildren of the true Malaysian spirit that prevailed once upon a time. 'Although the adults likely voted for different parties in elections and had contrasting political beliefs, we were one in the village. But this spirit is totally absent these days. Gatherings like these may help bring back the Malaysian spirit that prevailed decades ago,' he said. Kumaraguru said none of the Muslim attendees even asked if the food served during the reunion was halal as they all knew it would be, just like how they did decades ago. 'This is the beauty of our relationship.' The Samuels, comprising three generations, have never missed the reunions at Kampung Sabapathy. (K Parkaran pic) Sio Foo Soi said he always looked forward to these reunions so he could meet old friends he grew up with there. A man of few words, the 76-year-old grandfather was nostalgic describing the bond he and his friends shared despite being of different ethnicities and religions. 'I enjoy watching everyone mingling like the good old days. Some of my children try to make sure they attend these functions when they can. I hope more people will start attending the gatherings,' he said. Meanwhile Jabin James, 38, a third-generation family member of the village, made sure he attended with his wife and children as he had heard lots of stories in the village from his mother Alice Samuel who was born and bred there. 'We are looking forward to attending the annual gatherings in future as it enriches our souls. Malaysians need more of such events to remind us of where we came from,' he added.
Free Malaysia Today
19 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Over 5,300 join largest yoga gathering in Malaysia
Some 5,368 participants gathered at MAEPS Serdang for the country's largest yoga gathering on June 21. (Theevya Ragu @ FMT Lifestyle) SERDANG : In 2014, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi proposed to the United Nations an annual International Day of Yoga. The selected date, June 21, marks the summer solstice and symbolises light, energy and renewal. The first official celebration took place in New Delhi in 2015, where two Guinness World Records were set: one for the largest yoga class with 35,985 people, and another for the highest number of participating nationalities, at 84. Now, Malaysia has added its own milestone to the global movement. On Saturday (June 21), some 5,368 participants came together at MAEPS Serdang for the largest yoga gathering in the country's history. The event, organised by the Sakthi School of Yoga, was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records. SK Durai, founder of the Sakthi School of Yoga, leading an 18-minute yoga practice. (Sakthi School of Yoga pic) Participants began arriving as early as 7am, all dressed in white with yoga mats slung over their shoulders. The crowd was a vibrant mix of men, women, young and old, including several first-timers. On stage, experienced practitioners, seniors, children, and even pregnant women demonstrated impressive poses. Sakthi School founder SK Durai then led the large-scale session with an 18-minute practice for inner well-being called Sakthi Kriya. The sequence included five asanas or poses – such as the cobra pose, cat stretch, and spinal twists – followed by three kriyas, aimed at purifying the mind, body and energy system. Watching thousands in the hall move in perfect unison was a spectacular sight. The session concluded with a collective breathing technique, as the entire hall echoed with the sound of 'Aum'. Many practitioners, including children, took to the stage to showcase their poses. (Sakthi School of Yoga pic) Another highlight was a 'Ramayana' performance by students of the school, who brought the Hindu epic to life through a series of expressive yoga poses. 'The goal of yoga is the realisation of one's own potential, of which if every human being becomes aware, the world will see more peace, love and joy,' Durai told FMT Lifestyle. 'This was the major inspiration for organising an event on such a scale.' He also noted that efforts were made to ensure inclusivity, without intruding on anyone's personal beliefs, religion or cultural identity. Indeed, many Chinese and Malay individuals were seen taking part in the gathering. 'We are truly honoured and blessed,' Durai added. The event was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest yoga gathering in the country. (Sakthi School of Yoga pic) To date, over 650 teachers have completed their training at the Sakthi School of Yoga, which was founded in 2016 and has branches in Malaysia and India. Its charitable arm, Sakthi Foundation, continues to serve the local community through free tuition for B40 students, food distribution to the homeless, and yoga programmes in children's homes. 'There is no practice more important than yoga, and there is nothing more important in yoga than practice,' Durai said. 'There is no age to do yoga, and no ageing if you do yoga. 'My advice would be to embark on this journey no matter your circumstances or physical condition, as it will surely transform your life.' For more information, visit the Sakthi School of Yoga website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
