Kuala lumpur: Rescue teams are working to evacuate victims of the helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Sarawak, with the operation beginning at 7.30 am today, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operation is being carried out by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM). Dzulkefly stated that hospitals in Miri are fully prepared at all levels to receive the victims once they are evacuated from the crash site.

'As of this morning, the evacuation operation is being carried out by the rescue teams, namely the Royal Malaysia Police and the Fire and Rescue Department,' he told a press conference here today. Also present were Health director-general Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab and Deputy Health director-general (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari.

He mentioned that the Health Ministry (MoH) would continue to receive updates on the operation from the authorities, given the remote and challenging access to the crash site. MoH's three immediate priorities are the safety of health personnel involved in the Flying Doctor Service (FDS), ensuring the welfare of the victims' families and next of kin, and maintaining healthcare services continuity for the community, particularly in remote areas.

Meanwhile, Dzulkefly noted that the ministry's Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) team has been mobilised, providing support to the victims' families through Psychological First Aid (PFA) and ongoing emotional support. He added that other assistance, including financial aid or ex-gratia payments to the victims' families, would be arranged by MoH. Support is also being extended to FDS personnel affected by the incident.

Yesterday, a BO-105 helicopter carrying five people, including the pilot, crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) in Ulu Baram, Sarawak.