KUCHING: A soldier undergoing training in a forested area in Song, within the Kapit Division, was fatally shot allegedly by a poacher early this morning.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata confirmed the incident. He said the 28-year-old Corporal was pronounced dead while receiving treatment at Kapit Hospital at 7.43am.
He said that the case was under investigation and a manhunt for the suspect was underway.
"Police received a report about the incident that occurred at Batu 5 Jalan Balak Multiplus forest area, Song, at 5.57am today.
"The informant reported that a soldier undergoing training was hit by a gunshot, believed to have been fired by a member of the public hunting in the area.
"The severely injured victim was transported to Kapit Hospital but was pronounced dead while receiving treatment," he said when contacted today.
A source said that the victim was from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment and was engaged in the "Eksesais Pasak Bumi Siri 2/2024" training exercise when the incident occurred.
The victim sustained injuries to his waist and left thigh from the gunshots, which occurred at about 2.45am.
The source added that the victim was taken to Song Health Clinic before being transferred to Kapit Hospital at 5am.