Hishammuddin: Nuri helicopters should be upgraded, replaced

Whirlybird down: Part of the RMAF Nuri helicopter (circled) on the ground after crashing through the roof of a building at SMK Balung in Tawau, Sabah.

PETALING JAYA: The S-61A4 Nuri helicopters should be upgraded and replaced with newer assets to prevent accidents from occurring, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

"I have reminded the top leadership in the Defence Ministry and the armed forces that there is no compromise when it comes to the safety of the personnel and preparedness of our military assets,” said Hishammuddin in a press release this Wednesday.