Kelantan MB: Doctor killed in Sarawak helicopter crash dedicated to serving rural communities

Kota Bharu, Sept 9 — Kelantan has lost a local medical professional, Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin, who died while serving her community through the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) in Sarawak. Kelantan's Chief Minister Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud expressed sorrow over her passing, stating that her commitment to providing medical care and hope to rural areas was commendable.

"She selflessly used her expertise and services in remote regions for the betterment of humanity," he said, adding that her loss was deeply felt by the people of Kelantan. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) confirmed that a BO-105 helicopter, carrying five people, crashed near the Long Lellang Short Runway Airport (STOLport) in Ulu Baram, Sarawak, approximately 929 kilometers from Kuching.

The helicopter was part of an FDS operation at the time of the incident. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) also disclosed that the helicopter departed from Miri and was piloted by an experienced pilot. On board, there was a medical officer, an assistant medical officer (PPP), and two nurses, all performing their official duties.

The Miri Division Resident, who is also the chairman of the Miri Division Disaster Management Committee, Galong Luang, confirmed that all five passengers tragically perished in the crash around 3.40 pm. Apart from Dr Ainul Baraah, the media identified the other victims as Captain Zainol Afriq, assistant medical officer Alexson Adit, and nurses Debra Moset and Jessie Paya.