KUCHING: The Sarawak government will provide RM100,000 each to the families of the pilot and four medical personnel who died in Tuesday’s (Sept 8) Flying Doctor Service helicopter crash at Long Lellang.
In addition, the state government will fully cover the education fees of the victims' children who are still in school, it said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 9).
The education assistance will be channeled via its education arm, Yayasan Sarawak.
The statement added that Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg had agreed to the assistance and in this time of profound grief, the government "stands with the bereaved families and next of kin".
Extending the government's deepest sympathy, concern and solidarity to the five who died when their BO-105 helicopter crashed and erupted into a ball of fire just short of the Long Lellang STOLport airstrip, the state government said the assistance was in appreciation of the victims' sacrifice in serving the people, particularly communities in the interior.
Videos showed the helicopter already on fire as it raced to reach the STOLport.
The medical personnel who died in the 3.58pm incident Tuesday were a female doctor, two female staff nurses and a male assistant medical officer.
The statement described them as "personnel carrying out a noble and vital responsibility, bringing healthcare services to communities in remote areas that are difficult to reach by road."
"They dedicated themselves to ensuring that people, regardless of their location or circumstances, continued to have access to the healthcare services they needed," it added.
The statement added that their passing was a great loss not only to their families and colleagues, but also to the people of Sarawak as a whole.
"Their service, dedication, courage and sacrifice in carrying out their responsibilities for the wellbeing of the people, particularly those living in remote areas, are invaluable.
"Their commitment to serving the community reflects the concern and dedication to ensuring that no Sarawakian is left behind in receiving essential services," it read.
The Sarawak government said it deeply appreciated the service and sacrifice of the victims.
"Their contributions to the communities in the interior and to the people of Sarawak as a whole will always be remembered and never forgotten."
