Royals express condolences to the families

KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has expressed his sadness and conveyed his condolences to the families of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) helicopter crash victims in Lumut.

In a Facebook post, Sultan Ibrahim ordered the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) to conduct a thorough investigation to get full information on the incident.

“I and Raja Zarith are deeply saddened by the loss of our nation’s heroes in this tragedy. Al-Fatihah and our heartfelt condolences over their departure.

“May they be placed among the believers and martyrs,” His Majesty said.

The RMN said all 10 personnel on board were killed after two helicopters collided and crashed at the Lumut base at 9.32am yesterday.

There were seven crew members on the Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM-AW139) and three on the Fennec helicopter.

It is learnt that the helicopters were making a fly-past when rehearsing for a parade to be held in conjunction with the 90th RMN anniversary early next month.

In Klang, Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has also conveyed his deepest condolences over the tragic demise of the 10 RMN personnel.

Sultan Sharafuddin, who is the RMN Captain-In-Chief, was shocked to hear about the two helicopters crashing at the naval base in Perak during a rehearsal.

“I have been made to understand that all the 10 crew members who were RMN personnel died in the incident.

“As the RMN Captain-In-Chief, I wish to convey my intense sadness and sorrow following the heartbreaking tragedy that has happened in the month of Syawal and during the RMN’s 90th anniversary,’’ Sultan Sharafuddin said.(The month of Syawal is the month whereby Hari Raya Aidilfitri is celebrated for the whole month.)

“I also wish to convey my condolences to the family members of the RMN personnel who perished and hope that they will persevere in the face of the tragedy,’’ the Ruler said.

Sultan Sharafuddin added that he greatly valued the service, dedication and sacrifices of the RMN personnel who had perished while on duty.

His Highness also prayed that their souls will be blessed by Allah and will rest in peace.

“It is indeed a great loss to the RMN and the nation,’’ Sultan Sharafuddin said.