Missing copter: Contact lost 20 minutes after takeoff

PETALING JAYA: Contact was lost with the now-missing AS35 helicopter 20 minutes after it left Betong in Sarawak, said Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Seri Muham­mad Sabtu Osman.

"It takes between 35 to 40 minutes to travel from Betong to Kuching. The helicopter left at 4.12pm and radar contact was lost at 4.32pm," said Muhammad Sabtu at a press conference on Thursday night.

He added that  no distress call was received.

"So far, we have not received any distress call, but this has yet to be confirmed with the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA)," said Muhammad Sabtu.

He added that the DCA had confirmed that there was no proof that the helicopter had landed anywhere in Sarawak.

"Do not believe any rumours that the helicopter has been discovered," said Muhammad Sabtu.

He added that the  police marine team and helicopters would be dispatched at 6am on Friday.

"Our general operations teams were mobilised tonight (Thursday)," he said. 

He added that 30 Malaysian Civil Defence Department officers were also involved in search and rescue operations.

"We will definitely receive help from the Army, the Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence," said Muhammad Sabtu.

Six individuals, including Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Noriah Kasnon, her husband, and Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad were on the helicopter which went missing earlier in the evening.