THEIR Majesties Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah, King and Queen of Malaysia, have conveyed their condolences to the families of five people killed in a helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Sarawak.
Their Majesties also prayed for strength and fortitude for the victims’ families as they grieve the loss of their loved ones.
“Al-Fatihah and my condolences to all the victims’ family members. Their services and sacrifices will always be remembered,” Sultan Ibrahim said in a post on his official Facebook page today.
The five victims were pilot Captain Zainol Afiq, medical officer Dr Ainul Baroah Kamaruddin, assistant medical officer Alexson Adit, and nurses Debra Moset and Jessie Paya.
They were aboard a BO-105 helicopter conducting the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) when it crashed near Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) in Ulu Baram at about 3.40pm yesterday.
All five occupants were killed.
Health Director-General Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab said reports that haze may have contributed to the crash would have to be established through investigations by the relevant authorities.
He said flights involving helicopters and aircraft carrying Health Ministry personnel were subject to safety procedures and assessments before receiving approval to operate.
“For everyone’s information, we are aware that all aspects of aviation, whether involving helicopters or aircraft and so on, are subject to certain safety procedures that must be complied with before they are allowed to fly.
“From the Health Ministry’s side, this is what we have stated from the beginning. Whether permission to fly is granted or not is subject to approval by the relevant agencies.
“So, in yesterday’s case, approval for the flight had been given. But for further information regarding the question raised earlier, I ask the relevant authorities to answer that question,” he said.
Meanwhile, recovery efforts at the crash site were being carried out by rescue teams.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the operation was being led by the Royal Malaysia Police and Fire and Rescue Department.
Miri Hospital had also been placed on standby to receive the victims once they were brought out of the crash site. - September 9, 2026
