4 MOH Healthcare Personnel Among Those Involved in Helicopter Crash

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter reported to have crashed this afternoon has been confirmed to have been carrying four healthcare personnel under the ministry.

They include a Medical Officer, an Assistant Medical Officer and two Nurses who were on official duty.

Health Minister Datuk Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said this was based on initial information received regarding the flight, which departed from Miri and was operated by a pilot.

So far, he said, the status of all crew and passengers, as well as the cause of the incident, has yet to be ascertained.

“The search and rescue (SAR) team, together with medical personnel and the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), have arrived at the scene near Long Lellang Airport (STOLport), Sarawak, and operations are actively underway.

“The MOH is monitoring the situation very closely and is working closely with the security authorities, rescue teams, and relevant aviation agencies to obtain accurate and up-to-date information from the scene,” he said in a statement today.

Earlier, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) confirmed that a BO-105 helicopter with registration number 9M-LLF was reported to have crashed near STOLport Long Lellang, Sarawak, at around 3.58 pm.

Dzulkefly said the ministry is in the process of contacting the next of kin and family members of those involved to provide appropriate support.

As the SAR operation is still ongoing, he requested the cooperation of the media and the public not to speculate or disseminate unverified information out of respect for the feelings of the victims’ family members.

“Any further developments will be announced from time to time upon official confirmation from the authorities. Let us all pray that the search and rescue efforts are made easier,” he said.

Utusan Malaysia