TEMBURONG: Search and rescue operations for the missing Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) full-time national serviceman continued into the night yesterday the Temburong District, a Singaporean High commission official told the Bulletin.
The search for SAF Lance Corporal (LCP) Muhammad Fahrurrazi bin Salim, 20, who went missing on August 12 while on a jungle training in the Temburong River was jointly being conducted by the SAF with close assistance from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).
According to the SAF web site, LCP Fahrurrazi was the coxswain in a convoy of four boats used to support the water crossing segment of the jungle training exercise at Sungei Batu Apoi, Temburong. LCP Fahrurrazi was last seen wearing a life jacket on his boat at 7.55am the day he went missing. However at 8am, his boat was noticed not to have followed the convoy. The convoy turned around and found LCP Fahrurrazi’s boat at 8.30am. Search operations for the missing LCP Fahrurrazi commenced immediately that day
The search operations for the SAF soldier are being led by Commander Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Brigadier General Lim Hock Yu. The SAF team flew to Brunei on August 12 onboard Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130.
The weather was clear and water conditions were calm when the incident took place. An investigation has been initiated, SAF added in its web site.
More than 250 troops from both SAF and RBAF, together with 16 SAF and RBAF naval divers, are currently involved in the search and rescue operation. They are supported by nine SAF and four RBAF boats, along with three RSAF Super Puma helicopters.
LCP Fahrurrazi’s parents and younger sister are currently in Brunei, accompanied by the SAF family liaison officer. The SAF is currently rendering necessary assistance to the serviceman’s family, the website added.
All SAF training in Temburong training area has been suspended for the time being.