The bodies of five victims of the FDS helicopter crash were handed over to their families.

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 Sept: The handover of the bodies of five victims of a helicopter crash by Air Doctor Service (FDS) in Long Lellang, Baram, Sarawak to families was carried out this morning at Miri Forensic Department Hospital after their identities were confirmed through DNA analysis.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Ministry of Health (MoH) was coordinating the movement of victims to the scene following official identity verification by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and Department of Chemistry.

He informed that the body of medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin will be flown from Miri to Kota Bharu, Kelantan using a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMA) special aircraft for burial at Seri Kedeper Cemetery Ground, Kampung Baung, Chepa Base.

"The body of nurse Debra Moset will be flown from Miri to Kuching for burial in Semadang Village, Padawan tomorrow while Jessie Paya Jok was brought home today with the funeral service being held at BEM Cemetery Lambir, Miri on Monday.

"The remains of Assistant Medical Officer Alexson Adit Henry will be taken from Miri Hospital to his home today and the funeral will take place on Tuesday at Lambir Anglican Cemetery, Miri", he said in a statement today.

Dzulkefly announced the body of Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham will be flown from Miri to Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Malaysia Airlines flight for burial at Forest Height Cemetery Park, Senawang, Negeri Sembilan.

He also paid tribute to all parties involved in search and rescue (SAR) operations up to the management of bodies including PDRM, Department of Chemistry Malaysia, Department of Bombs and Rescuers Malaysia (JBPM), Sarawak Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIS) as well as the management of Miri Hospital.

"KKM also thanked the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) for providing the TUDM logistics facility to launch the repatriation of bodies to Peninsular Malaysia", he said.

Meanwhile, Dzulkefly said KKM continued to strengthen strategic cooperation with JBPM to support the smooth operation of emergency medical transfer (MEDEVAC) following temporary suspension of FDS services for the purpose of comprehensive investigation, review and evaluation.

He also thanked the people of Malaysia for their concern, prayers and support to health workers and families of victims in the face of the tragedy. -TVS