KUCHING: The dream of nurse Jessie Paya Jok, 44, to further her studies was cut short when she was killed in the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash in Long Lellang last Tuesday (Sept 8).
Her close friend, Caroline Sawai Joseph Chungat, 43, a nurse at Miri Hospital, said Jessie, or more fondly known as Paya, had told her that this month would be her last assignment with the FDS.
"That was the last conversation between Paya and me last month. She excitedly told me that this month would be her last assignment with the FDS as she was planning to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Midwifery next year.
"However, Paya's aspiration and dream to further her studies did not materialise," she said when contacted by Bernama on Thursday (Sept 10).
Caroline said she had known Paya since 2005, when they were both community nurse trainees at the Ministry of Health Malaysia Training Institute (ILKKM) in Serian.
Throughout their 21-year friendship, Paya was described as a soft-spoken person who did not talk much, but always brightened the atmosphere around her with her smiles and laughter.
"Paya's gentle nature was remarkable because throughout the more than two decades I knew her, I never once saw her lose her temper or raise her voice at anyone."
"Paya's kindness and sacrifices were also evident during her service at Bario Health Clinic, where her sincerity won the affection of the entire community in the remote area," she said.
Caroline said Paya's kindness was evident in her willingness to use her own money to cover the travel expenses of patients who needed to be referred to Miri Hospital for treatment.
"Not many people are capable of showing such compassion towards patients who are not related to them, but Paya demonstrated it through her dedication and her never-complaining attitude, even when faced with a workload that tested her mental and physical endurance," she said.
Apart from Paya, Caroline also knew another nurse who was killed in the crash, Debra Moset, 40, who was known for her friendly, approachable nature and fondness for joking around.
"Our friendship began when we served together at Jambatan Suai Health Clinic for six years, before we were each transferred elsewhere and reunited in 2019 while undertaking the promotion by appointment (PSL) programme.
"Debra was meticulous and responsible in her duties. She was also known as a caring nurse among patients at Jambatan Suai Health Clinic," she said.
Caroline added that her last conversation with Debra was in February and was solely about work.
Last Tuesday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) said a BO-105 helicopter carrying five people, including the pilot, crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport).
Apart from Jessie and Debra, the other victims were pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30, medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33, and medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, 31. – Bernama
