PETALING JAYA: The next-of-kin of the four Health Ministry personnel killed in the Sept 8 helicopter crash in Sarawak are each eligible to receive at least RM130,000 in lump-sum payments.
The Health Ministry said on Thursday (Oct 15) that the payments comprise compensation in place of leave (CGR), derivative gratuity, funeral assistance and death ex-gratia payment.
The ministry added that monthly derivative pension payments would be made to dependants from next Wednesday.
It added it was committed to ensuring the welfare of the bereaved families, with benefits and assistance being coordinated comprehensively, transparently and responsibly.
“The derivative pensions will be divided among eligible next-of-kin according to their respective shares.
“This arrangement ensures that each eligible dependant receives their entitled share in accordance with existing legal provisions, where the Public Service Department (PSD) will provide further explanations on this.
“The families will also receive dependants’ pensions and benefits under the Work-Related Disaster Ex-Gratia Scheme, which are being processed by the Sarawak Pension Division and the Finance Ministry,” the ministry said in a statement.
The crash on Sept 8 claimed the lives of five people, including a pilot and four Health Ministry personnel who were on Flying Doctor Service (FDS) duty.
The ministry added that the disbursement of these benefits formed part of its ongoing commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the victims’ families.
“We recognise that no amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one and hope the assistance will, to some extent, ease the financial burden and day-to-day challenges faced by the bereaved families.
“We remain fully committed to expediting the disbursement of pension benefits and other eligible assistance to the victims’ families, in collaboration with all parties involved,” it said.
As a mark of the highest respect for the sacrifice made by the four ministry personnel, the ministry had also proposed posthumous promotions for them.
The proposal was endorsed by the Public Service Promotion Board at its meeting on Tuesday, the ministry said.
