PETALING JAYA: MY Heli Club is calling for the public to stop spreading unverified information over the recent helicopter collision tragedy that killed two of its members.
Appealing for privacy and respect for the families of the victims, the club's honorary treasurer Datuk Leong Yeng Kit said speculation and misinformation would only derail and delay the official investigation into the tragedy.
"My Heli Club is in full cooperation with all parties looking into the tragedy," he said in a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday (Nov 10).
On Sunday (Nov 8), two of the club-sanctioned helicopters crash-landed at Taman Melawati following a mid-air collision.
The club's chief instructor Commander (R) Mohamed Sabri Baharom and fellow experienced pilot Mohamed Irfan Mohamed Rawi died in the crash, while two others survived: former Malaysia Airlines Bhd group chief executive officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya and one Tan Chai Eian.
"The incident is currently being investigated by the police and the Air Accident Incident Bureau (AAIB)," said Leong.
He added that two persons were onboard each aircraft, which were flown by experienced pilots who had aggregated more than 7,000 flying hours.
The two helicopters left Subang Airport at around 11am on a combined flight.
"Commander (R) Mohamed Sabri led the combined flight.
"Regretfully, an unfortunate incident occurred between the helicopters over Taman Melawati. Consequently, the helicopters crash-landed," Leong said.
My Heli Club also expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the crash victims.
"They will be deeply missed, we grieve their loss alongside their families and friends.
"MY Heli Club asks for privacy and respect for the victims' families during this difficult time," Leong said.
