KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 — The remains of the five victims of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Baram, Sarawak, were handed over to their respective families this morning at the Forensic Department of Miri Hospital after their identities were confirmed through DNA analysis.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Health Ministry coordinated the transportation of the remains to their respective final resting places following official confirmation of their identities by the police and the Chemistry Department.
Dzulkefly said the remains of medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin will be flown from Miri to Kota Bharu, Kelantan on a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) special aircraft before being buried at Seri Kedeper Muslim Cemetery, Kampung Baung, Pengkalan Chepa.
“The remains of nurse Debra Moset will be laid to rest at Kampung Semadang, Padawan tomorrow, while nurse Jessie Paya Jok’s remains will be taken to her home today, with her funeral to be held at BEM Cemetery Lambir, Miri on Monday.
“The remains of assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry would be taken to his family home today, with the funeral scheduled for Tuesday (Sept 15) at Anglican Cemetery Lambir, Miri,” he said in a statement.
Dzulkefly added that the remains of pilot Capt Zainol Afiq Bee Sham will be flown from Miri to Kuala Lumpur International Airport on a Malaysia Airlines flight before being buried at Forest Heights Muslim Cemetery, Senawang, Negeri Sembilan.
He expressed gratitude to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) for providing logistical support through the RMAF to facilitate the repatriation of the remains to Peninsular Malaysia.
He also thanked the police,Chemistry Department, Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Sarawak Islamic Religious Department, Miri Hospital management and all agencies involved, from the search and rescue (SAR) operation through to the handling of the remains.
Meanwhile, Dzulkely said said the ministry would continue to strengthen its strategic cooperation with JBPM to support the smooth implementation of medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) operations following the temporary suspension of FDS services to facilitate investigations, review and a comprehensive assessment.
He also expressed his appreciation to Malaysians for their concern, prayers and support for healthcare personnel and the victims’ families.
