Dependants of pilot Zainol Afiq and Dr Ainul Baraah, killed in the Sarawak helicopter crash, are eligible for monthly PERKESO benefits, says Human Resource Ministry.
KUALA LUMPUR: Two of the five victims of Tuesday’s helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Miri, Sarawak were contributors to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), making their dependants eligible for monthly benefits.
Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the dependants of the late helicopter pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30, are eligible for Dependants’ Benefit (FOT) totalling RM5,355 a month, while the dependants of the late medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin, 33, are also eligible for a monthly survivors’ pension.
He said Zainol Afiq, who worked with Rotorwing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, had contributed under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4) from January 2018 to August 2026.
“Therefore, the late Zainol Afiq’s dependants are eligible for FOT totalling RM5,355 a month, of which RM3,213 will go to his wife, Nor Izzati Syamimi Suhaimi, 31, and RM2,142 to their two children.
“His wife will receive the spouse’s share for life, while their two children, Adelia Sofia, six, and Ian Zayn, one, will each receive their share until they turn 21 or complete their first degree,” he told a press conference after the handover ceremony for the MADANI Uyarvu Grant Series 2 2026 here today.
He said the late Zainol Afiq’s wife is also entitled to a Funeral Benefit (FPM) of RM3,000.
Meanwhile, Ramanan said the late Dr Ainul Baraah, who was from Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, had contributed to PERKESO from June 2019 to August 2024.
“Her husband, Muhammad Faiz Abdul Malik, who is a teacher, is eligible for a survivors’ pension of RM1,574.10 a month for life, as well as FPM of RM3,000,” he said.
The Funeral Benefit payments were handed over to the families of both victims in Miri yesterday.
As for the other three victims, Alexson Adit Henry, Jessie Paya Jok and Debra Moset, Ramanan said a review of their contribution records found that they either did not meet the eligibility requirements or had no contributions qualifying them for PERKESO’s periodic pension benefits.
The BO-105 helicopter, operating a Flying Doctor Service (FDS) mission, crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-off and Landing Airport (STOLport) in Ulu Baram, about 929 kilometres from Kuching, killing all five people onboard.
