FDS crash victims’ families receive RM100,000 each

KUCHING: Families of the five victims killed in the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, today received RM100,000 each from the Sarawak government, alongside education assistance and an employment offer for one of the widows.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg handed over the cheques to the victims’ families during a ceremony at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN).

The assistance, he said, was intended to help ease the families’ burden, particularly in supporting the victims’ children, although no financial contribution could compensate for the loss of a loved one.

“As I promised, we will provide some assistance to the victims’ families. But the loss of a family member is far greater than that and cannot be measured in monetary terms.

“Nevertheless, we hope the assistance can help them, particularly their children,” he told reporters after the ceremony.

Abang Johari said the Sarawak Foundation had also issued offer letters to assist with rental payments and the education of the victims’ children through university.

The Premier also revealed that one of the victims’ wives, who is a professional, had been offered a position within the Sarawak Foundation Group to help her continue her career and support her family following her husband’s death.

“For one of the victims’ wives, we have also offered her a position within the Sarawak Foundation Group so that she can continue with her life. She is also a professional, and I hope this will help her and her family,” he said.

The five recipients were Nor Izzati Syamimi Suhaimi, Larry Bilong Kule, Mohd Faiz Ab Malek, John Then Hua Ken and Stephanie Essah Incham, who were the spouses of the five victims.

Those killed in the September 8 crash were Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, Jessie Paya Jok, Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin, Debra Moset and Alexson Adit Henry.

The five were on board the FDS helicopter when it crashed in Long Lellang while carrying out a medical mission.

As recognition of their service and sacrifice, all five victims were also posthumously awarded the Pegawai Bintang Sarawak (P.B.S.) medal in conjunction with the 80th Birthday Celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak on October 10.