Copter tragedy: Families of victims to receive RM10,000 in preliminary assistance, says minister

PETALING JAYA: Families of the tragic Lumut helicopter crash victims will each receive RM10,000 in preliminary assistance, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic).

The Defence Minister said a special fund has been set up by the ministry to allow donations from the public to the families affected by the tragedy.

“The Cabinet would like to express its deepest condolences to the families of the ten victims in a crash involving two helicopters at the navy base in Lumut on Tuesday (April 23).

“The Cabinet also expressed its sympathies to the loss of ten national heroes who had dedicated their lives to serve until the end of their lives.

“All the costs involved in the funeral arrangements as well as the flights for the families will be covered by the Armed forces,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (April 24).

Khaled added that a board of inquiry that was established following the incident was instructed to submit the preliminary report of the crash within 14 days.

He added a full report on the investigation of the crash must be submitted within 30 working days.

In the 9.32am incident on Tuesday (April 23), 10 RMN personnel were killed when two TLDM helicopters crashed in Lumut while conducting a third rehearsal for a flypast in conjunction with the 90th Naval Day, scheduled to be held this Saturday (April 27).

The 10 navy crew members killed in the crash included Squadron 502 commanding officer Commander Muhamad Amir Mohamad; Lieutenant T Sivasutan (Squadron 502 pilot) and Warrant Officer II Mohd Shahrizan Mohd Termizi (Squadron 502 Air Quartermaster).

Others killed were Squadron 503 Commanding Officer Commander Muhammad Firdaus Ramli; Lt Commander Wan Rezaudeen Kamal Zainal Abidin; Squadron 503 Air Tactical Officer, Lt Commander Mohammad Amirulfaris Mohd Marzukhi; and Squadron 503 Air Quartermaster Warrant Officer II Muhammad Faisol Tamadun.

The three women killed in the collision were Able Seaman I Joanna Felicia Rohna from the TLDM Air Base, Warrant Officer II Norfarahimi Saedy (West Armada Supply Depot) as well as Petty Officer Nor Rahiza Anuar (West Armada Supply Depot).