Sarawak: Four Health Ministry (MOH) personnel were among five people aboard a Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter that crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) airport in Sarawak this afternoon. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that the status of those aboard and the cause of the crash remained unknown. He mentioned that search and rescue (SAR) teams, medical personnel, and the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) were at the scene, with operations underway.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is closely monitoring the situation and working with security authorities, rescue teams, and relevant aviation agencies to obtain accurate and the latest information from the scene. The ministry is also in the process of contacting the next-of-kin and family members of those involved to provide the necessary support.

Dzulkefly explained that the helicopter, which departed from Miri, was operated by a pilot and carrying four MOH health personnel on official duty-a medical officer, assistant medical officer, and two nurses. With the SAR operation still underway, he urged all parties not to speculate or spread unverified information, out of respect for the families of the victims.

He mentioned that further developments would be announced from time to time once officially confirmed by the authorities. The minister also expressed sorrow and grief after receiving news of the tragic accident from the Sarawak Health Department director. He conveyed his thoughts and prayers, as well as those of the entire MOH family, to the crew, personnel, and their families who are enduring this distressing ordeal.

Earlier, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) reported that a BO-105 helicopter carrying five people, including the pilot, had crashed near the Long Lellang STOL airport, about 929 kilometres from Kuching. CAAM said it received notification of the incident from the Flight Information Service at 3.58 pm.