KUCHING: For the families of the five people killed in last month’s Long Lellang helicopter crash, financial contributions from the Sarawak government come as a meaningful gesture of assistance.
The families received RM100,000 each as well as sponsorship from Yayasan Sarawak for their children’s education.
Stephanie Essah Incham, the widow of medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, also received a job offer from Curtin University Malaysia in Miri.
“I’m deeply touched by the assistance from the Sarawak government and Yayasan Sarawak, especially in sponsoring my children’s education right up to university, whether Master’s, doctorate or the highest level they can achieve,” she said after receiving the contribution from Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg at the state legislative assembly complex yesterday.
Stephanie, who has two children aged five and two, added that words were not enough to express her gratitude.
“A thousand thanks from us, because this is what we hoped for from the Sarawak government.
“Thanks also to those who arranged the job offer for me,” she said.
The helicopter crash on Sept 8 led to the deaths of a pilot and four Health Ministry personnel who were onboard as part of the Flying Doctor Service.
Nor Izzati Syamimi Suhaimi, the widow of pilot Capt Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, also voiced gratitude to 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,” she said.
Mohd Faiz Ab Malek, whose wife Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin died in the crash, said both the state government and the people of Sarawak had extended assistance and support since the tragedy.
“Highest appreciation to the Sarawak government for the contribution. More importantly, the people of Sarawak have been very supportive,” he said.
Also receiving the contribution yesterday were Larry Bilong Kule and John Then Hua Ken, the husbands of staff nurses Jessie Paya Jok and Debra Moset respectively.
“As I promised, we are giving some assistance to the families,” Abang Johari said.
“The loss of their family members cannot be measured in monetary terms, but at least we can help them, especially their children.”
He added that Yayasan Sarawak will sponsor their children’s education from school to university level.
