Nurse killed in helicopter crash had planned to leave flying doctor service to further studies

In a tragic helicopter crash near Long Lellang, nurse Jessie Paya Jok, 44, lost her life while pursuing her dream of furthering her studies, her friend Caroline Sawai Joseph Chungat revealed. Paya, fondly known as Paya, had informed Caroline that this month would be her last assignment with the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) as she planned to enroll in an Advanced Diploma in Midwifery the following year.

Regrettably, her aspiration to continue her education was not realized. Paya, a gentle and compassionate nurse, had been a community nurse trainee at the Ministry of Health Malaysia Training Institute in Serian alongside Caroline since 2005. Throughout their two decades-long friendship, Paya was known for her soft-spoken demeanor, infectious smiles, and laughter, which always uplifted the atmosphere around her.

Caroline highlighted Paya's remarkable kindness and sacrifices, especially during her service at Bario Health Clinic, where her dedication won the affection of the entire remote community. Additionally, Caroline remembered another nurse who perished in the crash, Debra Moset, 40, renowned for her friendly, approachable nature and love for joking.

Paya and Debra had known each other since their six-year tenure together at Jambatan Suai Health Clinic before being transferred to different locations and reunited in 2019. Both nurses were among the five individuals who tragically lost their lives when the BO-105 helicopter carrying the pilot, Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30, medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33, and medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, 31, crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport.