Miri Resident confirms 5 dead in Sarawak chopper crash

On today's afternoon, a BO-105 helicopter, carrying out a Flying Doctor Service mission, met with a tragic end near the Long Lellang STOLport in Sarawak. Miri Resident and Miri divisional disaster management committee chairman Galong Luang has confirmed the deaths of all five individuals on board - four healthcare workers and a pilot.

Galong had informed about the unfortunate incident when contacted by the Borneo Post. The identities of the deceased have not yet been disclosed. The fire and rescue department has authorized the use of an MI-17 helicopter to retrieve the victims' remains, with the operation's success contingent on weather conditions and directives from relevant aviation authorities.

Marudi police chief Nor Aizan Jamil will lead the mission, supervising the investigation into the crash. The remains of the victims are anticipated to return to Miri on the same day, with the helicopter likely touching down at Miri Airport instead of the Miri Hospital helipad. The Miri Resident plays a crucial role in coordinating the administration and disaster response efforts in Miri.

Earlier, health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad revealed that the four passengers aboard the helicopter were ministry personnel fulfilling their official duties. They comprised a medical officer, a medical assistant, and two nurses. The Flying Doctor Service team involved in the crash was part of a broader program designed to deliver healthcare to remote areas of Sarawak.

Established in 1973, the FDS provides medicines and vaccines through regular visits and also conducts medical evacuations for critically ill patients. Currently, the service operates in 97 remote localities across Kapit, Miri, and Limbang, many of which are challenging to reach due to limited road networks. These visits typically occur monthly, although some locations may be visited every two months, depending on operational capacity.

Each FDS team generally consists of a doctor, nurses, and an assistant medical officer, working together to offer comprehensive care to residents in these remote communities.