ALOR STAR: The army will set up an internal board to investigate the fatal crash at Km75 of the Plus Expressway near Gurun that claimed the life of three soldiers early today.
In confirming the death of the three soldiers, its public relations unit urged all parties to refrain from issuing statements or speculation and not to share pictures of the victims to respect them and their respective families.
"The army will form an internal Investigation Board to investigate the crash.
"Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and the army wish to extend our grief and condolences to the respective families for their loss," it said.
The army confirmed the identities of the three soldiers as sergeant Rozali Abdul Rani, corporal Mohd Asri Idris and lance corporal Mohd Hafiz Haris.
"The three soldiers from the Third Regiment of the Border Regiment based in Pengkalan Hulu Camp were travelling in a convoy comprising three three-tonne vehicles heading towards the 30 Brigade Camp Base, Bukit Cowder Camp in Kangar, Perlis to fetch soldiers who participated in the Satria Gagah Exercise.
"However, one of the vehicles broke down forcing them to pull over on the expressway before they were rammed by a lorry at the location," the statement said.
In a separate update, the army said Rozali's remains will be taken back to Besut, Terengganu for funeral at Kampung Gong Bayor Muslim Cemetery while Asri's remains will be taken back to Kelantan for funeral at Bukit Lakota Muslim Cemetery in Jeli.
Meanwhile, Hafiz's remains will be laid to rest at Masjid Al-Wajdi Muslim Cemetary in Bukit Selambau, Sungai Petani.