The remains of all five victims killed in the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash in Sarawak will be handed over to their families today after their identities were confirmed through DNA analysis.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the victims were officially identified through DNA analysis conducted by police and the Department of Chemistry.
The remains will be handed over to the victims’ families at the Forensic Department of Miri Hospital, with the Health Ministry coordinating their transfer to their respective burial locations.
The helicopter crashed near Long Lellang on Tuesday while carrying out a health mission to remote areas of Sarawak, killing all five people on board, including four medical personnel.
The remains of medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin will be flown from Miri to Kota Baru, Kelantan, on a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) special flight before being buried at Seri Kedeper Cemetery, Kampung Baung, Pengkalan Chepa.
Nurse Debra anak Moset’s remains will be flown from Miri to Kuching and buried at Kampung Semadang, Padawan, on Sept 14. Assistant medical officer Alexson Adit anak Henry’s remains will be transferred from Miri Hospital to his home today before his burial at Anglican Cemetery Lambir, Miri, on Sept 15.
Nurse Jessie Paya Jok’s remains will also be transferred to her home today before she is buried at BEM Cemetery Lambir, Miri, on Sept 14.
Pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham’s remains will be flown from Miri to Kuala Lumpur International Airport on a Malaysia Airlines flight before being laid to rest at Forest Height Cemetery, Senawang, Negri Sembilan.
Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry would continue working with the Fire and Rescue Department to support emergency medical evacuation (Medevac) operations, ensuring access to healthcare for people in remote areas is not disrupted by the temporary suspension of the FDS.
The FDS was temporarily suspended following the crash to facilitate investigations, reviews and a comprehensive safety assessment.
Dzulkefly also expressed appreciation to Malaysians for their concern, prayers and support, saying the solidarity shown had given strength to the victims’ families and their colleagues at the Health Ministry.
