Article Posted on : - Dec 20, 2009

Malaysian fighter jets. A File Photo.

KUALA LUMPUR (BNS): A Malaysian fighter jet engine was stolen by Air force personnel from a military warehouse to sell it on the black market abroad, a Malaysian news reports said on Sunday.

The incident took place when the engine was undergoing repairs last year, the New Straits Times newspaper reported the news on Saturday after some official’s disclosed the fact on the condition of anonymity.

According to the national news agency Bernama and The Star newspaper report, Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said authorities were compiling evidence to prosecute those involved, including several low-ranking air force personnel and civilians.

"Stern action will also be taken against (air force) staff involved for betraying the country, An "international company" based in Latin America bought the 50 million ringgit (USD 14 million) engine "because the price was cheap " Bernama quoted the defence minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as saying.

The engine, used for single-seat fighter and reconnaissance jets, is believed to have eventually ended up with a final purchaser in the Middle East, the New Straits Times said.