Malaysia fighter jet engine stolen

Kuala Lumpur: Air force personnel stole a Malaysian fighter jet engine from a military warehouse to sell it on the black market abroad, news reports said Sunday.

The security breach occurred more than a year ago while the engine was undergoing repairs, but only became public knowledge when the New Straits Times newspaper reported it Saturday, citing information from unidentified officials.

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

"Stern action will also be taken against (air force) staff involved for betraying the country," Bernama quoted the minister as telling reporters in a northern Malaysian state.

An "international company" based in Latin America bought the 50 million ringgit ($14 million) engine "because the price was cheap," Ahmad Zahid added.

Officials familiar with the incident could not immediately be reached Sunday.

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.