KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — A preliminary report on the helicopter crash in Sarawak that killed six people, including two MPs last month has been completed.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the next of kin of the victims that perished during the May 5 crash in Batang Lupar, Sarawak, had been informed of the initial findings of the crash investigation team, The Star Online reported today.

“The information must be regarded as tentative, and subject to alteration or further update if additional evidence becomes available,” he was quoted as saying.

“This investigation was carried out to determine the circumstances and causes of the accident,” he added.

Among those who passed away were Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Noriah Kasnon and Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Wan Mohammad Khai-ril Anuar Wan Ahmad.

Two by-elections to find their successors will be held this Saturday.

Others who passed away were Asmuni Abdullah, Noriah’s husband, Ahmad Sobri Harun, who was her bodyguard, Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Sundaran Annamalai and Filipino pilot Captain Rudolf Rex Ragas.

The Philippines Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board also assisted the eight-member Air Accident Investigation Bureau that carried out the investigation into the crash.

The recommendations of the report have been sent to the Department of Civil Aviation.

The preliminary report has also been made available on the Transport Ministry’s website, Liow said.

The crash happened during the campaign of the Sarawak state elections.