Helicopter Crash: Pilot’s and Doctor’s Families Eligible for PERKESO Benefits

PETALING JAYA: The families of two of the five victims killed in Tuesday’s helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Miri, Sarawak, are eligible to receive benefits from the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO).

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the next of kin of helicopter pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 31, are eligible for a one-off Funeral Benefit (FPM) of RM3,000 and Dependants’ Benefit (FOT) estimated at RM5,355 per month.

“His widow, Nor Izzati Syamimi Suhaimi, 31, is entitled to receive the benefit monthly for life, with her share amounting to RM3,213.

“His two children, aged one and five, are entitled to receive a combined RM2,142 per month until they reach the age of 21 or complete their first degree,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the husband of Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin, 33, Muhammad Faiz Abdul Malik, 37, is eligible for a RM3,000 Funeral Benefit as well as a Survivors’ Pension of RM1,574.10 per month for life.

Ramanan said PERKESO would immediately channel the assistance to the victims’ next of kin to help ensure their financial security and well-being.

“As for the other three victims who died in the incident, checks confirmed that they had no contribution records with PERKESO.

“Nevertheless, PERKESO will refer their cases to the Social Synergy platform to determine whether they are eligible for other forms of assistance from other agencies,” he added.

Earlier, the media reported that a pilot and four Ministry of Health (MOH) personnel were killed after the Flying Doctor Service helicopter they were travelling in crashed near Long Lellang Airport in Ulu Baram, Sarawak, on the afternoon of Sept 8.

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