Heir to the helicopter crash receives financial contributions, educational assistance

KUCHING, 16 Oct: The Air Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash victim's estate in Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, on 8 September received RM100,000 donation per family, as well as education assistance for the children of the victims up to university level and employment opportunities.

The presentation of the donation was completed by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at a ceremony in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), here today.

Brother Johari said the Government of Sarawak is committed to helping victims' families continue their lives after losing loved ones, especially in ensuring the well-being and future of their children continues to be preserved.

"The loss of family members cannot be measured in money, but we can help a little as much, especially their children.

"The Sarawak Foundation is also offering assistance to cover the educational expenses of victims' children up to university level", he said when met at the ceremony.

The heirs who received the donation were Nor Izzati Syamimi Suhaimi, Larry Bilong Kule, Mohd Faiz Ab Malek, John Then Hua Ken and Stephanie Essah Incham.

Nor Izzati, widow of Allahyarham Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, thanked the Sarawak Government for the assistance provided since the first day of the incident.

Meanwhile, Stephanie, widow of late Alexson Adit Henry, also appreciated the state government's support and the Sarawak Foundation, as well as the offer of employment opportunities at Curtin University to help her move on with life and supporting her family.

Mohd Faiz, heir to Allahyarhamah Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin and a teacher who has served in Batu Niah area for 13 years also expressed appreciation to the Sarawak Government for the support provided, and expressed his desire to apply to return to Kelantan, with the intention of completing the matter by the end of this year.

On 10 October, all the victims were also listed as recipients of Sarawak Star Officer Medal (P.B.S.) in honour of 80th Birthday Celebration of the late Sarawak State President Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. - TVS