Father says doctor killed in helicopter crash returned to Sarawak just two days ago

Kota Bharu, September 9 — Dr Ainul Baroah's father, Kamarudin Salleh, revealed that he last saw his daughter two days prior when she returned home for school holidays before her tragic death in a helicopter crash. The 69-year-old father described his daughter as a quiet, kind, and caring individual who was always willing to assist her family.

On receiving the news of the incident at 5 pm, Kamarudin learned of his daughter's unfortunate demise. She had been working at Miri Hospital for nearly two years and had served in Sarawak for a total of three years.

Dr Ainul Baroah's mother, retired teacher Rogayah Mohd Noor, 69, shared her perspective on her daughter, calling her kind and emphasizing that she had never caused any problems for the family during her lifetime. While acknowledging a change in her daughter's demeanor upon her return home, Rogayah noted that her daughter's face seemed radiant, hinting at something unusual.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) confirmed that the BO-105 helicopter, carrying five people including the pilot, was involved in a Flying Doctor Service flight and crashed near Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) airport, approximately 929 kilometers north of Kuching. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reported that the helicopter departed from Miri and was operated by a pilot along with a medical officer, an assistant medical officer, and two nurses who were on official duty.

The Miri Division Resident and chairman of the Miri Division Disaster Management Committee, Galong Luang, stated that all individuals on board the helicopter perished in the incident, which occurred at around 3.40 pm.