Anwar remembers Capt Zainol Afiq as kind man, pays tribute to pilot’s service (VIDEO)

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim mourns the loss of Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, remembering the pilot as a kind and man of good character. Anwar shared fond memories of Zainol, who had flown him during the 15th General Election campaign. Zainol's habit of shaking hands before and after boarding and disembarking from helicopters, as well as reciting prayers together, left a lasting impression on Anwar.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for Zainol's contributions, urging his family to inform his staff if assistance was needed. In a video message, Anwar called Captain Zainol's father, Bee Sham Ahmad, to convey his condolences alongside his wife and family. He prayed for Allah SWT to grant the family strength, fortitude, and patience in their time of loss, and to bestow His mercy upon Zainol's soul.

The Prime Minister also pledged to contact the families of the other victims killed in the crash, assuring that the Madani Government would provide necessary assistance and support to the crash victims' families. Yesterday, a BO-105 helicopter carrying Zainol Afiq and four others crashed near Long Lellang Airport in Ulu Baram, with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia confirming the incident.

The four other victims were a medical officer, an assistant medical officer, and two nurses from the Health Ministry.