I wish to extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families and loved ones of all five victims who lost their lives in the tragic Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash at Long Lellang, Ulu Baram.
This is an immense and heartbreaking loss, particularly as the pilot and health care personnel involved were carrying out an important public service to bring health care to our rural and interior communities. Their dedication and service to the people will be remembered.
At this extremely difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with their families. I sincerely hope that they will be given strength, courage, and comfort as they come to terms with this tragedy.
The welfare and immediate needs of the affected families must also remain our priority. I have personally visited the families of Jessie Paya Jok and Alexson Adit Henry last Sunday to pay my respects and gave the families RM1,000 as an immediate gesture of support.
I will also stay in touch with the late Jessie’s husband to provide any assistance the family may need. At the same time, I will aid the wife of the late Alexson in searching for suitable employment to support her family.
Last Friday, my officer from Pusat Khidmat Miri, together with officers from the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) Sarawak, also visited the family members of the victims and extended our condolences and support.
Through ICU Sarawak, we have previously presented a financial assistance of RM1,000 as an immediate gesture of assistance during this difficult period.
I sincerely express my deepest gratitude for the sacrifices of all five passengers on the helicopter, helicopter pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, and staff nurses Debra Moset and Jessie Paya Jok, for their dedication and service to Malaysia.
Despite the challenges of the FDS, they continued to care for and save many who did not otherwise have access to health care.
I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to all agencies, emergency personnel, health care workers, security personnel, local residents, and everyone involved in the search, recovery, and subsequent arrangements following this tragedy.
Their dedication and cooperation under such difficult circumstances are deeply appreciated.
At the same time, we should allow the relevant authorities to complete their investigation into the incident. What is most important now is to ensure that the families of those who have passed are given the space, assistance and support they need.
My deepest condolences once again to all the families affected. May the departed rest in peace, and may their families be granted strength during this period of profound loss.
Chiew Choon Man is the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, as well as Member of Parliament for Miri.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
