Residents in Kota Belud and Labuan told not to panic as low‑flying aircraft part of RMAF exercise

Don’t panic if you spot low‑flying planes in Kota Belud or Labuan, it’s just the RMAF’s nine‑day joint exercise running Oct 12‑20. — Picture via Facebook/Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia

First Published: Monday, 12 Oct 2026 10:36 AM MYT

Last Modified: Monday, 12 Oct 2026 10:37 AM MYT

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 12 — Members of the public in the vicinity of Kota Belud, Sabah, and the Federal Territory of Labuan have been advised not to be alarmed if they see aircraft flying at low altitudes from Oct 12-20.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Public Relations Division said the tactical flights would be conducted in conjunction with the Air Mobility Tactical Operation (AMTOP) Exercise Series 2/2026.

“The joint exercise involving the RMAF, Malaysian Army (TDM) and Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) aims to enhance joint interoperability and evaluate operational effectiveness at the tactical level. 

“During the exercise, RMAF aircraft will conduct low-altitude tactical flights alongside the deployment of participating maritime assets within gazetted areas,” it said in a statement today.

The RMAF also urged local residents not to be alarmed by the presence of various national defence assets operating throughout the nine-day exercise. — Bernama