PETALING JAYA: A pilot and four Health Ministry healthcare workers were on board the helicopter that crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport (short take-off and landing airport) in Sarawak, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirms.
The Health Minister said the healthcare personnel comprised a medical officer, an assistant medical officer and two nurses who were on official duty.
He said the status of the crew and passengers, as well as the cause of the crash, had yet to be determined, adding that the ministry was closely monitoring the situation and assisting in the investigation.
Dzulkefly said the ministry was also in the process of contacting the next of kin and family members of those involved to provide the necessary support.
“I am deeply saddened upon receiving the initial report of the incident.
“However, as the search and rescue (SAR) operation is still ongoing, I urge the media and members of the public not to make any speculation or disseminate unverified information out of respect for the feelings of the victims’ family members.
“Let us pray that the search and rescue operation proceeds smoothly,” he said in a press release on Tuesday (Sept 8).
Dzulkefly said further developments would be announced from time to time.
He added that the SAR team, together with medical personnel and the Fire and Rescue Department, was actively carrying out search operations.
The healthcare personnel believed to have been on board were part of the Flying Doctor Service programme.
Located about 310km from Miri, Long Lellang STOLport serves the rural Long Lellang area, which is home to some of Sarawak’s most remote Kelabit and Penan communities.
