KUCHING: The remains of LKpl Mohd Afandi Jahwin, a member of the 21 Commando Unit who drowned in a flash flood incident during an operation in Banding, Perak, were laid to rest at the Kampung Jemoreng Cemetery, Matu last night.
The late soldier’s body arrived at Sibu Airport at 6.25pm yesterday, received with full military honours by family members, comrades and officers of the Malaysian Armed Forces (TDM).
“From Sibu, the remains were transported via an EC 725 aircraft belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) to Kampung Jemoreng, his birthplace, for burial.
“The funeral, held at night, was marked by an outpouring of emotion, with family members, villagers and friends of the deceased present to pay their final respects,” according to a statement.
The late LKpl Mohd Afandi from Matu is remembered as a dedicated, committed and courageous soldier throughout his career. He made significant contributions to the 21 Commando Unit and was highly respected by his comrades.
Efforts are ongoing to locate LKpl Ahmad Zulhilmi Ahmad Tamizi (22 Commando Unit) from Kampung Padang Limau, Sungai Petani, Kedah, who remains missing after being swept away by floodwaters on Nov 30.
Seven search-and-rescue (SAR) teams, comprising five officers and 112 enlisted personnel from the 2nd Royal Ranger Regiment, 23rd Royal Malay Regiment, and 22nd Commando Regiment, have been deployed to comb the Perak River near the incident site at Sungai Merah.
The incident occurred at 8am, when nine personnel were reportedly swept away by a flash flood while on patrol near Sungai Merah in Permatang, along the Malaysia-Thailand border. The patrol was part of Operation Kota, Echo, Foxtrot Series 6/2024 in Banding, Perak.
