LUMUT: Royal Malaysian Navy will not compromise on any breach of its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) at its detention centre, said RMN chief Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin.
He said based on preliminary checks, it was confirmed that two sailors who died on Friday in the detention centre in Sungai Wangi, Sitiawan - Nik Muhammad Baihaqy Nik Mat, 28; and Mohammad Lailatuliman Mohd Shukri, 26 - were in good health before their death.
"A five-man inquiry board led by an officer with the rank of captain, includes an expert in occupational safety and health is currently investigating the SOP compliance by the personnel involved in the incident and if there was any violation.
“More members may be included on the board.
"This is a serious matter and we welcome assistance from legal experts. We can't elaborate more on the incident and do not want to speculate," he told a press conference after a ceremony for 51 RMN's special warfare force (Paskal) veterans who were bestowed with Pingat Jasa Malaysia here today.
Kamarulzaman said the SOP included health checks on the detainees before they were held at the centre.
He said the board would not interfere with police investigation.
He said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Mohamed Noor had been informed of the incident.
"They are saddened with what happened and have conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased.
“Justice will prevail and I can assure that the personnel who had violated the law will face action as this has tarnished the image and integrity of RMN," he said.
It was reported that Nik Baihaqy and Lailatuliman, who were of Able Seaman rank, had complained of exhaustion after undergoing physical training and were later told to rest.
They were given treatment at the detention unit due to vomitting and shortness of breath, but were pronounced dead by paramedics at 3.15pm.
Following the incident, an inquiry board to scrutinise the SOP to find out if there was any breach during the training.
The post-mortem report revealed that Nik Baihaqy and Lailatuliman died of lung bleeding and blunt trauma.
The case has been classified as murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code, with three men arrested to facilitate with police investigation.