POLICE are retracing the movements of the BO-105 helicopter from its departure in Miri to the crash site near Long Lellang, examining its refuelling location, flight route, witness accounts and possible emergency calls as they widen the investigation into the deaths of five people.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said there were so far no indications that the crash was caused by anything other than an accident, but all possibilities were being examined as part of a comprehensive investigation.
“So far, we have recorded statements from 19 witnesses and will call up several more individuals if necessary, besides returning to the relevant locations to get a more detailed picture of the incident,” he told reporters after attending a dinner with local media in Kuching last night.
He said police would examine the entire flight chronology, from the helicopter’s take-off in Miri to its final destination, including flight records and whether any emergency calls had been made.
“Everything, from the initial take-off until the incident occurred, we will look into. The places they went and anything that can assist the investigation will be scrutinised,” he said.
The technical investigation has been handed over to the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), while the Royal Malaysia Police will continue to assist if required.
Mohamad Zainal said the time needed to complete the investigation would depend on the number of additional witnesses to be interviewed and locations to be re-examined, but police would seek to conclude the probe as soon as possible.
He earlier said the remains of all five victims had been claimed by their families.
The helicopter crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) on Tuesday while carrying pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30; medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33; medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, 31; and nurses Debra Moset, 40, and Jessie Paya Jok, 44. - September 14, 2026
