KUCHING, Oct 16 — The Sarawak state government has contributed RM100,000 to each of the families of the five victims of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Baram, which occurred on September 8.

Additionally, educational assistance is being provided through Yayasan Sarawak (Sarawak Foundation) to help ease the burden on the victims’ families, specifically by ensuring the continuity of their children’s education.

The contributions were presented by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to the next-of-kin of the five victims during a handover ceremony held at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly complex today.

“The loss of a family member cannot be measured in monetary terms, but we can provide some measure of support to them especially to their children.

“Earlier, we presented offer letters from Yayasan Sarawak to assist with the payment of school and university tuition fees for their children,” Abang Johari told reporters following the event.

On September 8, a BO-105 helicopter carrying five individuals, including the pilot, crashed near the Short Take-Off and Landing Port (STOLport) in Long Lellang.

The victims were Alexson Adit Henry, Debra Moset, Dr. Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, Jessie Paya Jok, and Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham. — Bernama