TWO police officers are reported to be in critical condition and requiring respiratory support following a helicopter crash during the Multilateral Nuclear Security Detection Exercise (MITSATOM 2025) earlier today.
The incident involved a Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) AS355 helicopter near the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency jetty in Gelang Patah.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed that three other officers remain stable and are currently receiving treatment at Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) in Johor Bahru.
“All five received immediate medical attention from specialist doctors at HSA shortly after the incident,” he told Bernama during a visit to the hospital.
“Alhamdulillah, with the assistance of specialists at HSA, I believe we can provide the best possible care for them. We pray for their recovery so they can return to service as usual, insya-Allah,” he added.
Of the five injured, three are members of the PDRM Air Unit while two serve at the Tanjung Kupang Police Station.
The helicopter was conducting a salute flypast as part of a demonstration for the exercise, which involves Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) confirmed the crash involved an AS355N helicopter, registration number 9M-PHG, operated by PDRM. The aircraft departed from Tanjung Kupang Police Station at 9.51 am, carrying five occupants including the pilot.
Responding to claims that the helicopter was outdated, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid said, “Age is not a major issue if maintenance is conducted properly. What happened is beyond our control.”
He also assured that the police will look after the welfare of all officers involved and their families.
CAAM further stated that a thorough investigation will be conducted by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau under the Ministry of Transport, pursuant to Part XXVI of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016. - July 10, 2025
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