KUCHING: The Sarawak government has handed over RM100,000 to each family of the five victims of last month's Long Lellang helicopter crash.
The families also received sponsorship from Yayasan Sarawak for their children's education.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg presented the contributions to Nor Izzati Syamimi Suhaimi, Larry Bilong Kule, Mohd Faiz Ab Malek, John Then Hua Ken and Stephanie Essah Incham at the state legislative assembly complex here on Friday (Oct 16).
The recipients are, respectively, the spouses of helicopter pilot Capt Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, staff nurse Jessie Paya Jok, Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, staff nurse Debra Moset and assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry.
"As I promised, we are giving some assistance to the families. The loss of their family members... cannot be measured in monetary terms.
"But at least we can help them, especially the children," Abang Johari told reporters after the handover ceremony.
He said Yayasan Sarawak will sponsor the children's education up to university level.
Stephanie also received a job offer letter from Curtin University Malaysia in Miri.
"She is a graduate and a professional, so I believe this offer will assist her and her family," Abang Johari said.
Stephanie said she was deeply touched by the state government's assistance, particularly the education sponsorship for her children.
"Words are not enough. A thousand thanks from us, because this is what we hoped for from the Sarawak government.
"The state government and Yayasan Sarawak have helped us greatly, especially in sponsoring my children's education right up to university, whether Masters, doctorate or the highest level they can achieve," she said.
Nor Izzati also thanked the state government, saying it had provided assistance since the crash on Sept 8 until now.
"I'm very grateful. I don't know what to say except that Sarawak has helped so much.
"Actually I'm still waiting to hear from the Federal Government. I understand that perhaps they're busy, but the Sarawak government has been very helpful," she said.
Nor Izzati added that she had not thought about how to use the contribution.
"I have not had time to rest since the day of the crash. There are still a lot of matters to settle."
