The RMAF said the incident involving the F/A-18D Hornet occurred at 9.05pm on the runway of Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport in Kuantan, Pahang, which shares facilities with the airbase.

“The RMAF is taking immediate action and will provide updates on the situation as developments arise,” it said in a statement tonight.

It also urged the public not to speculate or spread unverified reports about the incident.

Meanwhile, the New Straits Times reported that the jet’s pilot and weapons systems officer had safely ejected.

Pahang police chief Yahaya Othman confirmed that both of them were safe and had been taken to Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan for a check-up.

RMAF has eight twin-engined F/A-18D Hornets, received in 1997, Bernama reported.

A video showing what is believed to be the fighter jet catching fire shortly after takeoff has been circulating on social media.