Missing copter: Search and rescue operation to focus on Sri Aman, Simunjan and Betong

KUCHING: The focus of the search and rescue mission for the missing helicopter will focus on the districts of Sri Aman, Simunjan and Betong, said Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Seri Muhammad Sabtu Osman.

He said police had received a report from the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) at 8.20pm on Thursday and a team had been deployed to the area to carry out the search and rescue operation.

"We have launched our search and rescue mission in Sri Aman, Simunjan and Betong," he said at a press conference on Thursday night.

He said 100 personnel from the Marine Police, Fire and Rescue Department, Police, General Operations Force and Civil Defence Department are involved in the operation.

At 6am on Friday, a team from the Marine Police and a Police helicopter will head to the area and join the search and rescue mission, he said.

Muhammad Sabtu also denied claims that the helicopter was found in Sri Aman.

The Eurocopter AS350 helicopter took off from Betong at 4.12pm, Thursday and headed to Kuching before losing contact at 4.32pm, he said.

He said it was reported to be raining in Betong on Thusrday afternoon. – Bernama