Heli crash: Shopkeeper recalls chat with five on board

In Miri, a shopkeeper named Bungan Tegong recounted her conversation with a Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crew shortly before the aircraft crashed near Long Lellang. Around noon, the crew stopped at her sundry shop to rest, drink, and purchase items after landing in Long Siut. Bungan spoke to a woman wearing a headscarf, who informed her that the crew was heading to Long Lellang.

When Bungan asked why they continued the journey despite unfavorable weather conditions due to haze, the woman replied, "We cannot, aunty, because we already have an appointment with patients there." The pilot, familiar with the area, mentioned the poor weather conditions shortly before departure. Bungan noted that the woman estimated the flight from Long Siut to Long Lellang would take about 10 minutes.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) later confirmed that five people, including the pilot, were on board the crashed BO-105 helicopter.