KUALA LUMPUR: The remains of five victims of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Baram, Sarawak, were handed over to their families at the Forensic Department of Hospital Miri this morning (Sept 13) after their identities were confirmed through DNA analysis.
Health Minister Datuk Seri, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) coordinated the movement of the victims to their respective final resting places following official confirmation of their identities by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Chemistry Department.
He said the remains of medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin would be flown from Miri to Kota Bharu, Kelantan, using a Royal Malaysian Air Force aircraft before burial at the Seri Kedeper Cemetery in Kampung Baung, Pengkalan Chepa.
“The remains of nurse Debra Moset will be flown from Miri to Kuching before burial at Kampung Semadang, Padawan tomorrow, while Jessie Paya Jok will be brought home today, with burial to take place at the BEM Cemetery in Lambir, Miri on Monday.
“The remains of assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry will be brought from Hospital Miri to his home today, with burial scheduled for Tuesday at the Anglican Cemetery in Lambir, Miri,” he said in a statement today.
Dzulkefly said the remains of pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham would be flown from Miri to Kuala Lumpur International Airport via Malaysia Airlines before burial at the Forest Height Cemetery in Senawang, Negeri Sembilan.
He also expressed appreciation to all agencies involved in the search and rescue operation and the management of the victims’ remains, including PDRM, the Chemistry Department, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department and Hospital Miri.
MOH also thanked the Malaysian Armed Forces for providing RMAF logistics support to facilitate the repatriation process to Peninsular Malaysia.
Dzulkefly said MOH would continue to strengthen strategic cooperation with the Fire and Rescue Department to support emergency medical evacuation operations following the temporary suspension of FDS services for investigation, review and a comprehensive assessment.
He also thanked Malaysians for their concern, prayers and support for health workers and the victims’ families as they continue to cope with the tragedy.
– BERNAMA
