Cabinet expresses condolences to families of five killed in Sarawak FDS helicopter crash

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — The Cabinet has expressed its condolences to the families of the five individuals who lost their lives in the recent Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash near Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, Sarawak. During a weekly Cabinet meeting today, Unity government spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil announced that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and all ministers had extended their sympathies and condolences.

The current investigation into the incident is ongoing and the Cabinet will be updated on its progress later, Fahmi stated in a press briefing broadcast live after the meeting in Putrajaya. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had previously announced the identities of all five victims, and their respective next of kin have been informed of the tragedy.

Fahmi also mentioned that the Cabinet has yet to discuss extending assistance to the victims' families, with any further information in this regard to be referred to the Health Ministry. The German-made MBB BO-105 helicopter, carrying five people including the pilot, crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport in Ulu Baram, approximately 929 kilometers from Kuching, while conducting an FDS operation.

The pilot, a medical officer, an assistant medical officer, and two nurses on board were killed in the crash, which was reported to CAAM at 3.58pm.