Malaysian Army to review SOP after serviceman arrested with pistol, ammunition and ketum, says chief

PORT DICKSON, Oct 17 — The Malaysian Army will conduct a review of its standard operating procedures in the wake of the arrest of a serviceman carrying a pistol, a large quantity of ammunition and a liquid believed to be ketum, according to a statement from the Chief of Army, Gen Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman.

The review is part of the army's ongoing efforts to improve existing protocols and rectify any identified shortcomings. Despite the presence of an existing SOP, the Chief emphasized the commitment to continuous improvement. This development occurred at the Passing Out Parade of Young Male Soldiers Series 206/26, which saw the graduation of 1,485 soldiers in Kuala Lumpur. Gen Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman, the Chief of Defence Force, was present at the event.

The arrested individual, believed to be in his thirties, was participating in a six-month transition training program and was scheduled to complete his service within three months. He is currently detained at Sungai Buloh Prison and is set to undergo the trial process and subsequent actions.

The Malaysian Army has expressed its willingness to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities, including providing necessary information concerning the case. Gen Malek Razak, speaking on behalf of the Malaysian Armed Forces, reiterated the importance of adhering to established regulations to ensure all actions taken during investigations are in accordance with the law.