KUCHING, Sept 8 — The status of five people aboard a Health Ministry (MOH) Flying Doctor Service helicopter that crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) airport in Sarawak this afternoon remains unknown, as search and rescue operations continue.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the helicopter, which departed from Miri, was carrying a pilot and four MOH health personnel — a medical officer, medical assistant and two nurses — who were on official duty.

“Based on the initial information received, the flight that departed from Miri was operated by one pilot and carried four MOH health personnel, namely one medical officer, one medical assistant and two nurses who were on official duty,” he said in a statement.

Dzulkefly said the status of all crew members and passengers, as well as the cause of the incident, had yet to be confirmed.

Search and rescue (SAR) teams, together with medical personnel and the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), were at the scene near the Long Lellang STOLport and the operation was ongoing.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) earlier said it received notification of the incident from the Flight Information Service at 3.58pm.

CAAM said the BO-105 helicopter was operating a Flying Doctor Service flight with five people on board, including the pilot.

It did not provide details on the condition of those on board.

Dzulkefly said MOH was closely monitoring the situation and working with security authorities, rescue teams and relevant aviation agencies to obtain accurate and updated information from the scene.

The ministry was also in the process of contacting the next-of-kin and family members of those involved to provide the necessary support, he said.

“As the SAR operation is still ongoing, I urge the media and members of the public not to speculate or disseminate unverified information out of respect for the feelings of the victims’ families.

“Any further developments will be announced from time to time after receiving official confirmation from the authorities,” he said.

CAAM said earlier that the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the Transport Ministry would investigate the incident in accordance with Part XXVI of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016.

The Flying Doctor Service provides medical services to communities in remote areas that are difficult to access, including parts of Sarawak. The service has operated in Sarawak since 1973. 

“Let us pray that the search and rescue operation will be facilitated and proceed smoothly,” Dzulkefly said.