Five FDS helicopter crash victims identified by DNA, with remains returned to families across Malaysia for burial as investigations continue
MIRI: Five families finally have their loved ones back.
After forensic work following the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash near Long Lellang, DNA identification by the Royal Malaysia Police and the Chemistry Department confirmed the victims, and this morning, at Miri Hospital’s Forensic Department, their remains were released to go home.
Four healthcare workers and their pilot, who died serving Malaysia’s most remote communities, are now being carried across the country to rest:
- Dr Ainul Baraah binti Kamarudin, Medical Officer – flown via a Royal Malaysian Air Force aircraft to Kota Bharu, Kelantan, to be laid to rest at Seri Kedeper Cemetery, Kampung Baung, Pengkalan Chepa;
- Debra anak Moset, Nurse — home in Kuching, with burial set for Monday, Sept 14, in Kampung Semadang, Padawan;
- Alexson Adit anak Henry, Assistant Medical Officer — returning to his family in Miri today, ahead of burial Tuesday, Sept 15, at Anglican Cemetery Lambir;
- Jessie Paya Jok, Nurse — home in Miri today, with final rites Monday, Sept 14, at BEM Cemetery Lambir; and
- Captain Zainol Afiq bin Bee Sham, Pilot — flown via Malaysia Airlines to Kuala Lumpur, for burial at Forest Height Cemetery, Senawang, Negeri Sembilan.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad thanked the Armed Forces for providing the air logistics that brought the fallen home, along with the police, the Chemistry Department, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department, and Miri Hospital’s management for their tireless work from search-and-rescue through to the handling of remains.
“The deep concern, continuous prayers, and love expressed by the public for our healthcare personnel provide a deeply meaningful boost of strength for the family members and colleagues at the Ministry as we face this immensely challenging time,” Dzulkefly said in a statement.
The FDS service remains temporarily suspended pending a full investigation and review.
In the meantime, the health minister says it is strengthening cooperation with the Fire and Rescue Department to keep emergency medical evacuations reaching rural communities without interruption
