{
  "id": 6404836,
  "title": "Anwar offers condolences to pilot's family after Sarawak heli crash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/anwar-offers-condolences-to-pilots-family-after-sarawak-heli-crash",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T09:09:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1529085/anwar-offers-condolences-pilots-family-after-sarawak-heli-crash"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim conveyed his deepest sympathies to the family of Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, who tragically lost his life in a helicopter accident in Sarawak. In a Facebook update, Anwar personally reached out to Captain Zainol's father, Bee Sham Ahmad, to offer his heartfelt condolences on behalf of his wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and their family.\n\nCaptain Zainol perished alongside four medical professionals from the Health Ministry in the crash that occurred in Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, involving a Flying Doctor Service aircraft. The Prime Minister was reminded of Captain Zainol's role in transporting him during the 15th General Election (GE15) campaign, an experience that deeply moved and affected him.\n\nExpressing the gravity of such a profound loss, especially for a young family, Anwar prayed for strength, resilience, and patience for the grieving family as they navigate the days ahead. The Malaysian government pledged to provide all the necessary support and welfare assistance to Captain Zainol and the four other victims' families.\n\nThe Prime Minister's thoughts and prayers remain with the families and next of kin of all the victims, and he implored for God's mercy, forgiveness, and grace for their souls, recognizing them as martyrs. Anwar emphasized Malaysia's profound mourning for their sacrifices and unwavering service to the nation.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his condolences to the family of Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, the pilot who died in the helicopter crash in Sarawak.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Sarawak channels RM100,000 to each family of helicopter crash victim",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/sarawak-channels-rm100-000-to-each-family-of-helicopter-crash-victim",
        "published": "2026-09-09T18:38:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}