Latest news with #LKT
New Straits Times
12-08-2025
- 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
12-08-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysian Army reviews training SOP after PALAPES cadet death
GEMAS: The Malaysian Army (TDM) is reviewing its standard operating procedures (SOP) for training, including those for the Reserve Officer Training Unit (PALAPES). Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan said the SOP includes improving health screening processes before training begins. He stated this is crucial due to the high-risk nature of live ammunition exercises, which test personnel resilience and courage. The PALAPES training involves 112 participants per session, supervised by over 20 officers and trainers, lasting around 15 minutes. He spoke after witnessing the 2025 Live Fire Exercise (LKT) at Syed Sirajuddin Camp, attended by Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar. The review follows the death of a 22-year-old PALAPES cadet from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia during training in Johor last month. Muhammad Hafizuddeain urged the public to avoid speculation as the investigation findings will be finalised today. He expressed deep regret over the incident, emphasising the deceased cadet was part of the TDM family despite being a trainee. The Army Chief confirmed the training followed established SOP, but improvements are being made to prevent future incidents. Separately, he said TDM welcomes proposals for aircraft supplies, particularly Black Hawk helicopters, to meet operational needs. The LKT exercise involved 2,500 personnel from all armed forces branches, including the Johor Military Force for the first time. Modern integration was a focus, with Flyeye drones used for real-time intelligence and surveillance missions. When asked if the exercise responded to regional tensions, he said it ensures TDM remains prepared for any threats to national sovereignty. He stressed regional tensions serve as a reminder that security must not be taken lightly. The exercise also sends a warning to parties attempting to disrupt Malaysia's security. – Bernama
