Copter tragedy: Welfare of victims' families is govt's priority, says DPM Fadillah

Photo: Ronnie Chin/The Star

IPOH: The government will provide special assistance to the next-of-kin of the 10 officers and personnel of the Royal Malaysian Navy who died in the mid-air crash involving two helicopters.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pic) said their welfare is now the government's priority.

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He said the Prime Minister would announce any government assistance and support to the victims' families.

"I am sure some of them contributed to the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), some already have pensions, and some have insurance," he told a press conference after visiting the navy base on Tuesday (April 23).

Fadillah said that so far, all the families of the victims have reached the Lumut Armed Forces hospital, except for family members from Sabah, who are still on their way.

"I had time to visit and meet the families, and we can all feel their sadness.

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"What's more, the majority of them are from young families. Young pilots and young members. Their children are still young.

"So imagine a three-year-old child who doesn't know anything about losing either a mother or a father," he said.

He reminded all parties, including the media, not to make any speculations about the incident out of respect for the victims' families.

"Let the police and army do the investigation. We will wait for the full report later," he said.