KUCHING: The Sarawak government will provide RM100,000 to each family of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) personnel who died in the helicopter crash near Long Lellang on Tuesday.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg agreed to the financial assistance as a gesture of concern and to help ease the burden faced by the bereaved families.
The state government also agreed to fully cover the education fees of the victims’ school-going children through Yayasan Sarawak as a mark of appreciation for their service and sacrifice to the people.
In a statement today, the Sarawak government expressed its deepest condolences to the families and next-of-kin of the FDS personnel who died in the crash at about 3.58 pm yesterday (Sept 8).
It said the victims were carrying out an important responsibility of bringing healthcare services to communities in remote areas that were difficult to reach by road.
“They dedicated themselves to ensuring that the people, regardless of their location and circumstances, continued to have access to the healthcare services they needed,” it said.
The state government described their deaths as a great loss not only to their families and colleagues, but also to the people of Sarawak as a whole.
It said their service, dedication, courage and sacrifice in carrying out their responsibilities for the wellbeing of the people, particularly those in remote areas, were invaluable.
“Their service reflects the concern and commitment to ensuring that no Sarawakian is left behind in receiving essential services,” it said.
The Sarawak government also expressed its solidarity and deepest sympathy to the families and next-of-kin during this difficult time.
It said the contributions and sacrifices of the FDS personnel, who carried out their duties with dedication and courage, would continue to be remembered and would not be forgotten.
The government also prayed that the bereaved families would be granted strength, resilience and patience in facing the loss of their loved ones.
For Muslim victims, the state government conveyed Al-Fatihah and prayed that their souls be granted mercy and placed among the faithful and righteous.
For non-Muslim victims, it prayed that they would rest in peace and that their families and loved ones would be given strength and fortitude in facing the loss.
