Gelang patah: Two of the five police personnel involved in this morning’s helicopter crash during the Multilateral Nuclear Security Detection Exercise (MITSATOM 2025) in Gelang Patah are reported to be in critical condition and require respiratory assistance. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the other three victims are in stable condition and being treated at Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) in Johor Bahru.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, all five received immediate medical attention from specialist doctors at the hospital shortly after the incident. Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid expressed confidence in the specialists at HSA, stating that they would provide the best possible treatment and expressed hope for the personnel’s recovery.
Three of the victims are members of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Air Wing Unit, while the other two are attached to the Tanjung Kupang police station. Mohd Khalid addressed claims regarding the helicopter’s age, asserting that proper maintenance is more crucial than the asset’s age, and described the crash as beyond their control. He assured that the welfare of the personnel and their families would be prioritized.
The AS355N helicopter belonging to PDRM crashed into the waters near the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency jetty during an honour flypast as part of the MITSATOM 2025 exercise involving Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) reported that the helicopter, with registration number 9M-PHG, departed from Tanjung Kupang police station at 9.51 am with five people on board, including the pilot.
CAAM announced that a further investigation will be conducted by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau under the Ministry of Transport in accordance with Part XXVI Civil Aviation Regulations 2016. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim identified the five victims and stated that PDRM has initiated an internal investigation to assist the Air Accident Investigation Bureau.
Azmi added that PDRM will establish a committee to assess the AS355N helicopter’s current use, considering factors such as its service duration of over 28 years and reduced capabilities. The personnel were conducting training to test the country’s preparedness in handling nuclear security incidents involving the smuggling of radioactive and nuclear materials.
Meanwhile, Mohd Khalid advised the public against speculating or circulating videos of the incident to avoid interfering with investigations or affecting the sensitivities of the victims’ families. He assured that any further information would be communicated through PDRM’s official channels.