Long Lellang Crash: Victim Evacuation Operation Underway - Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- 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. 

He said the operation was being carried out by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).

Dzulkefly said hospitals in Miri were also fully prepared at all levels to receive the victims once they were 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 said the Health Ministry (MoH) would continue to obtain updates on the operation from the authorities from time to time, given that the crash site is in a remote area with challenging access.

He said MoH’s three immediate priorities were 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 the continuity of healthcare services for the community, particularly in remote areas.

Meanwhile, Dzulkefly said the ministry’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) team had been mobilised and was providing support to the victims’ families through Psychological First Aid (PFA) and ongoing emotional support.

He said other assistance, including financial aid or ex-gratia payments to the victims’ families, would also be arranged by MoH.

Support was 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.

-- BERNAMA