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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Malaysia-led team investigating transparency of Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire
GEMAS: The Malaysia-led Interim Observer Team (IOT) plays a key role in investigating the transparency of the ceasefire along the Thailand-Cambodia border, said armed forces chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar. "We have received reports from both countries of several ceasefire violations. "The team on the ground will investigate these main aim is to ensure that the ceasefire is implemented transparently and runs smoothly. "We have also requested Thailand and Cambodia to liaise with the Joint Action Group from both countries, including the legal section and others," he told reporters after witnessing the 2025 Firepower Training at Syed Sirajuddin Camp here today. Also present were Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Chief of Army Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan. Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to strictly observe a ceasefire along their shared border, with both sides maintaining current troop positions while also refraining from any further reinforcements. According to the Agreed Minutes of the Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting issued after the Extraordinary GBC Meeting on Aug 7, both sides must avoid unprovoked firing towards the other side's positions or troops, which may escalate tensions. Meanwhile, Mohd Nizam said the IOT is currently holding meetings with Thailand and Cambodia at least twice a week to monitor and report on the latest developments in the area concerned. He said Malaysia is always ready to send representatives at the next stage after the IOT, namely the Asean Defence Attaché Observer Team (AOT), to both countries. – Bernama
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Army reviews training SOPs following Palapes cadet's death
GEMAS: The army is reviewing its standard operating procedures (SOP) for training, including those for the Reserve Officers' Training Unit (Palapes). Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan said the SOP include improving the health screening process, which must be more thorough before training begins. "This is because it is a high-risk training involving the use of live ammunition, which aims to test and enhance the resilience, confidence, and courage of the trained personnel and officers. "This (Palapes) training is conducted for 112 participants per session. "Over 20 officers and trainers are assigned to supervise the exercise. "The training is also brief, only taking about 15 minutes," he told reporters after witnessing the 2025 Live Fire Exercise (LKT) at the shooting range in Syed Sirajuddin Camp today. Also present were Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar. Previously, a Palapes cadet from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Skudai, Johor, Syamsul Haris Shamsudin, 22, was reported to have died while undergoing Palapes UTM training at the Army Combat Training Centre (Pulada) in Ulu Tiram, Johor. The cause of death was unclear and uncertain. The second-semester Cyber Security Bachelor's Degree student at UTM, who was the eldest of three siblings, had joined the Palapes UTM training on July 26, which was scheduled to end on Aug 3. Muhammad Hafizuddeain said the findings of the investigation into the trainee's death, conducted by the army investigation committee, would be finalised today and therefore, urged the public not to speculate on the incident. "The incident that befell him is deeply regretted. "Even though it occurred during a planned training session, we are very sad. "Although he was a cadet officer, he was one of us," he said, adding that the training the deceased participated in complied with the established SOP. In other developments, he said the army is always open to any proposals from any party to supply aircraft that meet the specified capabilities and features, especially the Black Hawk helicopter. Regarding the LKT, he said it involved approximately 2,500 personnel from all three branches of the Armed Forces. For the first time, the Johor Military Force (JMF) also participated in the exercise, which aims to enhance professionalism and test doctrines and procedures. He said that this LKT also focused on modern integration, showcasing the acquisition of Flyeye drones or UAS for real-time intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat damage assessment missions. When asked if the LKT was a reaction to the current regional tensions, he said such exercises are to ensure that the army is always at the highest level of readiness to handle any potential threats and protect the country's sovereignty. "We cannot deny that the tensions in this region serve as a wake-up call for all of us that national security should not be taken lightly. "This exercise also serves as a message or warning to any party that tries to disrupt the country's security," he said. Police are conducting a detailed investigation into Syamsul Haris' death at the training centre on July 28.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia-led team monitors Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire transparency
GEMAS: The Malaysia-led Interim Observer Team (IOT) is actively investigating the transparency of the ceasefire along the Thailand-Cambodia border. Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar confirmed the team's critical role in addressing reported violations. 'We have received reports from both countries of several ceasefire violations. 'The team on the ground will investigate these reports... our main aim is to ensure that the ceasefire is implemented transparently and runs smoothly,' he said. Mohd Nizam added that Thailand and Cambodia have been urged to coordinate with their respective Joint Action Groups, including legal representatives. He spoke to reporters after attending the 2025 Firepower Training at Syed Sirajuddin Camp. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Chief of Army Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan were also present at the event. Both Thailand and Cambodia have committed to strictly observing the ceasefire, maintaining current troop positions without further reinforcements. This agreement was formalised in the Agreed Minutes of the Extraordinary General Border Committee Meeting on Aug 7. The document mandates that neither side engage in unprovoked firing towards the other's positions or troops to prevent escalating tensions. Mohd Nizam revealed that the IOT conducts meetings with Thai and Cambodian officials at least twice weekly to monitor developments. Malaysia stands ready to deploy representatives for the next phase, involving the ASEAN Defence Attaché Observer Team (AOT). – Bernama
