KUALA LUMPUR – Despite earlier reports that caretaker Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg’s (Abang Jo) helicopter had to make an emergency landing, a clarification from his office states that the landing merely occurred due to bad weather and visibility.
Following a statement by his office, the helicopter instead made an alternative landing at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak due to bad weather and low visibility after returning from Gedong.
All passengers, including Abang Jo’s entourage, were reported safe.
“Reference is made to postings on social media that the helicopter carrying Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and members of his entourage made an emergency landing at Unimas this afternoon.
“This is to clarify that there was no issue of emergency landing as reported for the pilots had decided to land alternatively at Unimas due to bad weather and low visibility upon returning from Gedong,” said the chief minister’s office through the press statement.
Earlier, media reported that a helicopter ferrying Abang Jo and his entourage had to make an emergency landing.
According to the Borneo Post, Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Aidi Ismail confirmed the incident, which happened following bad weather and heavy rain during the flight.
Abang Jo’s entourage comprises his wife Datuk Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, his bodyguard, and a personal assistant.
It is learnt that the Gedong assemblyman was on his way back to the state capital of Kuching when weather conditions forced the helicopter to land at the university’s campus in Kota Samarahan instead. – The Vibes, December 18, 2021
