MOH: Families of FDS crash victims to receive at least RM130,000 each

KUCHING: The families of four Ministry of Health (MOH) personnel who perished in the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash in Miri last month are entitled to receive lump-sum payments of at least RM130,000 for each victim.

The ministry said the payments would comprise several benefits, including Cash Award in Lieu of Leave (GCR), death gratuity, funeral assistance and death ex-gratia payments.

It added that eligible dependents would also begin receiving monthly survivor’s pensions from October 21.

In a statement today, the ministry said it had been working closely with the Public Service Department (JPA) and the Sarawak Health Department to facilitate the payment of benefits and financial assistance to the victims’ families.

“MOH remains committed to ensuring that the welfare of the affected families continues to receive attention, with all benefits and assistance coordinated comprehensively, transparently and prudently,” it said.

The ministry explained that the survivor’s pensions would be distributed among eligible beneficiaries according to their respective entitlement shares, in accordance with existing laws.

It said JPA would provide further clarification to the families regarding the distribution of these pensions to ensure that each eligible dependant received their rightful share.

Apart from the lump-sum payments and monthly pensions, the families would also be eligible for dependants’ pensions and benefits under the Work Disaster Ex-Gratia Scheme.

These additional benefits are currently being processed by the Sarawak branch of the Pension Division and the Ministry of Finance.

Meanwhile, the ministry announced that its proposal to award posthumous promotions to the four personnel had been approved by the Public Service Promotion Board at its meeting on October 13.

It said the promotions were proposed as a mark of the highest recognition for the sacrifices made by the healthcare personnel in the course of their duties.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to expediting the distribution of all eligible benefits, pensions and other assistance through cooperation with the relevant agencies.

“MOH recognises that no amount of financial assistance can replace the loss of a loved one.

“Nevertheless, we hope that these benefits will help ease the financial burden and daily responsibilities of the families left behind,” it said.

The four MOH personnel were among five people killed in the helicopter crash in Miri on September 8.

The tragedy claimed the lives of medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry, staff nurses Debra Moset and Jessie Paya Jok, as well as helicopter pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham.

The ministry’s latest announcement follows concerns raised by families of the victims over the assistance and support provided in the aftermath of the tragedy.