GURUN – Two soldiers were injured in the leg during shooting training at Hobart Camp here on Monday, believed to be due to a technical fault while handling a weapon.
Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said in the incident, which occurred at around 6.05pm, a 35-year-old trainer with the rank of Sergeant had to receive eight stitches on his right thigh near the knee.
He said another victim, a 29-year-old marksman with the rank of Corporal, was injured at the base of his left knee and is still receiving further treatment at Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital (HSAH) here.
"Initial investigations found that the injuries sustained by both victims were not caused by bullet fire, but were likely from fragments of an object or foreign material that flew off after a part of the weapon exploded.
"During training, the weapon experienced a stoppage on its own. In accordance with standard operating procedure (SOP), safety measures were taken by clearing the weapon and placing it in a safe condition, but during inspection, a part of the weapon suddenly exploded," he said when met by the media at the Jeniang Police post here.
He said doctors confirmed the victims' injuries were not caused by gunfire.
It is understood the incident occurred during training involving around 300 personnel from a camp in Perlis, which began on June 28 and is scheduled to end this Thursday, involving various phases including the use of light and heavy weapons.
Adzli said a forensic team from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), together with weapons experts from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), is still conducting checks at the scene.
He said investigations are being carried out under Section 37 of the Arms Act 1960.
It was previously reported that two soldiers died from a bomb explosion during training at the same camp on June 16.
Adzli said investigations into the bomb explosion have been completed and classified as a sudden death case.
"Investigations into the earlier bomb case have been completed at the police level. However, detailed investigations into technical aspects have been handed over to the military," he said.
In other developments, he said upgrading works are underway at Jeniang Police Station to improve facilities and operational comfort for personnel.
The police station will be temporarily closed to the public, with all matters moved to the Jeniang Police Post starting July 2.