Long Lellang heli crash: 4 MOH personnel among 5 on board, families being contacted, says minister

Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Photo credit: MOH (Facebook)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 8: Four Ministry of Health (MOH) healthcare workers were among the five who were aboard a Flying Doctor Service helicopter that crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) airport in Marudi this afternoon, with their status still unknown as search and rescue (SAR) operations are ongoing.

In a statement, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad expressed sadness at the report.

“Based on the initial information received, the flight, which departed from Miri, was operated by one pilot and was carrying four MOH healthcare personnel, namely one medical officer, one assistant medical officer, and two nurses, who were on official duty.

“As of now, the status of all crew members and passengers, as well as the cause of the incident, has yet to be determined.

“SAR teams, together with medical personnel and the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), are already at the scene,” he said.

He also stressed that MOH is monitoring the situation and working closely with security authorities, rescue teams, and relevant aviation agencies to obtain accurate, up-to-date information from the scene.

At the same time, he said the ministry is contacting the next of kin and family members of those involved to provide the necessary support.

“As the SAR operation is still ongoing, I urge the media and members of the public not to speculate or disseminate unverified information out of respect for the feelings of the victims’ family members.

“Further developments will be announced from time to time once official confirmation has been obtained from the authorities. Let us pray that the search and rescue operation will proceed smoothly,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said his ministry remains in contact with the relevant authorities for the latest verified information and would extend its full cooperation where required.

“The Flying Doctor Service is an important lifeline for our rural and remote communities in Sarawak. At this stage, our priority is the safety and wellbeing of all those involved.

Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin

“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone on board, their families and all those affected by this incident,” he said.

He also urged the public to refrain from speculating and allow the relevant authorities to carry out the necessary operations and investigation.

“We pray for the best possible outcome and for the smooth conduct of the ongoing operations,” he said.

According to TVS, preliminary information indicates that the five people believed to have been on board the helicopter were Captain Zainol, Dr Ainul, assistant medical officer Alexson Adit, and staff nurses Debra Moset and Jessie Paya. — DayakDaily