All five dead in helicopter crash at Long Lellang

MIRI, Sept 8: All five people aboard a Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter were killed when the aircraft crashed at the Long Lellang airfield in the interior of Baram on Tuesday afternoon.

Miri Divisional Disaster Management Committee chairman, Galong Luang confirmed the fatalities following initial reports from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and the Ministry of Health (MoH).

“Unfortunately, all five on board are deceased as confirmed by reports from the Fire and Rescue Department and Ministry of Health,” Galong told reporters.

The BO-105 helicopter, registration 9M-LLF, was operated by Layang-Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd on a flight from Miri Airport.

It crashed at the end of the runway at the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) airport at approximately 3:40 p.m.

The victims comprise the pilot and four MoH personnel on official duty: a medical officer, an assistant medical officer, and two nurses.

Victim Details and Family Notification

Family members identified one of the casualties as 32-year-old medical officer Dr Ainul Baroah Kamaruddin.

Her family was officially notified of her passing by the MoH at 4:00 p.m.

Dr Ainul, who originated from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, began serving at Miri Hospital last year after previously working at Tanah Merah Hospital.

She had relocated to Sarawak to join her husband, a teacher based in Miri.

Retrieval Mission

Rescuers and medical teams have reached the crash site.

Galong confirmed that top Bomba officials have approved the deployment of an MI-17 helicopter from Miri to retrieve the remains, subject to weather conditions and flight clearances.

The retrieval sortie will carry representatives from relevant government agencies, including Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department and Mulu Assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala.

Marudi Police Chief DSP Nor Aizan Mohd Jamil is commanding the mission and overseeing police investigations.

The remains will be flown directly to Miri Airport upon retrieval.

Government Reactions

In Putrajaya, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad expressed sadness over the tragedy and confirmed the ministry is contacting the victims’ families to provide support.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and working with security authorities, rescue teams and relevant aviation agencies to obtain accurate and up-to-date information from the scene,” Dr Dzulkefly said.

He urged the public and media to avoid circulating unverified speculation out of respect for the families.

Transport Minister of Sarawak, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin also expressed condolences, noting that the Flying Doctor Service remains a vital lifeline for remote communities across the state.

The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the Ministry of Transport will conduct a formal investigation into the crash pursuant to Part XXVI of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016. – TVS