{
  "id": 6279788,
  "title": "Dzulkefly: Status of five aboard Flying Doctor Service helicopter still unknown after Sarawak crash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/dzulkefly-status-of-five-aboard-flying-doctor-service-helicopter",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T11:57:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/08/dzulkefly-status-of-five-aboard-flying-doctor-service-helicopter-still-unknown-after-sarawak-crash/234466"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUCHING, Sept 8 — The whereabouts of five individuals aboard a Health Ministry Flying Doctor Service helicopter, which crashed near Sarawak's Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) airport, remain unclear as search and rescue efforts persist. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad disclosed that the helicopter, departing from Miri, transported a pilot and four health professionals — a medical officer, medical assistant and two nurses — all on official business. \"Initial reports indicate the flight took off from Miri with one pilot and four MOH health personnel, including one medical officer, one medical assistant and two nurses,\" he stated in a declaration. The identities of all crew members and passengers, as well as the cause of the crash, have yet to be confirmed. Search and rescue teams, alongside medical personnel and the Fire and Rescue Department, are on-site near the Long Lellang STOLport, with the operation continuing. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) received notification of the incident at 3.58pm. CAAM confirmed the BO-105 helicopter was conducting a Flying Doctor Service flight with five occupants, including the pilot. However, the agency did not disclose the condition of the individuals onboard. Dzulkefly emphasized that the Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with security agencies, rescue teams and aviation authorities to gather accurate and updated information from the crash site. The ministry is also reaching out to the next-of-kin and family members of those affected for support. \"Given the ongoing SAR operation, I implore the media and public not to speculate or spread unverified information, out of consideration for the families of the victims. Subsequent updates will be issued as official confirmation is received,\" he advised. CAAM stated that the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the Transport Ministry would conduct an inquiry in line with Part XXVI of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016. The Flying Doctor Service provides medical assistance to remote communities in Sarawak that are difficult to reach, having been operational in the state since 1973. \"May the search and rescue efforts be facilitated and progress swiftly,\" Dzulkefly prayed.",
  "summary": "KUCHING, Sept 8 — The status of five people aboard a Health Ministry (MOH) Flying Doctor Service helicopter...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}