KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remembers Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, the pilot who was killed in yesterday’s helicopter crash in Sarawak, as a kind man of good character.

Anwar said he had fond memories of Zainol Afiq, who had flown him during the 15th General Election (GE15) campaign, including the pilot’s habit of shaking hands with him before boarding and after disembarking from the helicopter, as well as reciting prayers together.

He said the pilot’s service and contributions would always be remembered, and urged his family to inform his staff if they needed any assistance.

“He was a good person. He helped us a lot in our struggle. His contributions and service will always be remembered. If there is anything we can do to help, please let my staff know and, insya-Allah, I will make the necessary arrangements,” he said in a video clip of a telephone conversation with the late pilot’s father, Bee Sham Ahmad, that was shared on Facebook.

Anwar had called Bee Sham to convey his condolences, as well as those of his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and their family, to the bereaved family.

He also prayed for Allah SWT to grant the family strength, fortitude and patience in coping with their loss, and to shower His mercy upon Zainol Afiq’s soul.

The prime minister said he would also contact the families of the other victims killed in the crash.

“Malaysia mourns their sacrifice and their selfless service to the nation,” he said.

Anwar also gave an assurance that the Madani Government would ensure that the families of the crash victims received the necessary assistance and support and that their interests were properly looked after.

Yesterday, a BO-105 helicopter carrying Zainol Afiq and four others crashed and caught fire near Long Lellang Airport in Ulu Baram.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), in a statement yesterday afternoon, confirmed the incident and said it had received notification of the crash from the Flight Information Service at 3.58pm.

The four other victims comprised a medical officer, an assistant medical officer and two nurses, all from the Health Ministry. — Bernama