Lee Kim Shin attending a meeting and briefing on the Flying Doctor Service helicopter crash in Long Lellang

MIRI, Sept 8 2026: Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin tonight attended a meeting and briefing on the Flying Doctor Service helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Baram, this afternoon.

Caption: Minister Lee Kim Shin attending a briefing on the helicopter crash

In his Facebook post, he said the meeting reviewed the latest situation and focused on coordinating transport and logistical arrangements for the operation at the crash site tomorrow.

“Together with the relevant agencies and officers, we discussed the necessary arrangements to ensure that the operation is carried out in a well-coordinated, safe and orderly manner,” he said.

He said upon arriving in Miri from Kuching at 8.20pm, he proceeded directly to attend the meeting held at the Miri Airport Emergency Operations Centre.

“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragic incident, and I pray for strength and comfort for their families during this difficult time,” Lee said.

Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sebastian Ting was among those attending the meeting.

Lee also met with family members of the crash victims at the Miri Airport. 

The state police earlier confirmed that a helicopter had crashed at the end of the airport runway in Long Lellang, Marudi, Sarawak today.

Police Commissioner Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said initial information received indicated that there were five individuals in the helicopter when it crashed about 3.38pm.

He was it was confirmed that the helicopter belonged to a company that was rented to provide air doctor services at three locations from Miri to Ba Lai, Long Siut and Long Lellang, Marudi.

 

Governor, wife express their deep sorrow over the passing of four medical personnel and a pilot in a helicopter crash

 KUCHING, Sept 8 2026: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi have expressed their sadness after receiving the news of the passing of five individuals in the Flying Doctor Service helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Baram, today.

Caption: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi

They expressed their deepest condolences and sympathies to all the family members and loved ones of the five victims who died, namely Captain Zainol Afiq, medical officer Dr Ainul Baroah Kamaruddin,  medical assistance Alexson Adit, staff nurse Debra Moset and staff nurse Jessie Paya.

“Their loss is deeply felt, especially when four of the victims were health workers who were carrying out the trust of bringing health services to the community in the interior of Sarawak,” they said in a statement.

“Indeed, the work they carry out through the Flying Doctor Service is a service of great value to the people of Sarawak, especially the interior community who depend on the service for treatment and healthcare.

“Their sacrifices and service will always be remembered. They left while carrying out their responsibilities and trust to provide assistance and services to the community in need.

In this very heartbreaking moment, the governor and his wife pray that all the victims' families are given strength, perseverance and patience in facing the loss of their loved ones.

They also expressed their appreciation to all security personnel, fire and rescue teams, health workers, authorities and the local community who were involved in the operations at the scene.

“For the victims who are Muslims, may Allah SWT shower his blessings on their souls and place them among those who believe and do good deeds. For the victims who are not Muslims, may their souls rest in peace,” the governor and his wife said.

They also extended their condolences to all the victims' families, saying that Sarawak mourns the loss of five individuals who have devoted their lives and service to the community.

Sarawak police confirms five persons were on board the ill-fated helicopter

KUCHING, Sept 8 2026: The state police confirmed that a helicopter had crashed at the end of the airport runway in Long Lellang, Marudi, Sarawak today.

Caption: Police Commissioner Mohamad Zainal Abdullah says the status of the victims has yet to be ascertained

Police Commissioner Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said initial information received indicated that there were five individuals in the helicopter when it crashed about 3.32pm.

He was it was confirmed that the helicopter belonged to a company that was rented to provide air doctor services at three locations from Miri to Ba Lai, Long Siut and Long Lellang, Marudi.

“The status of all the victims has not yet been ascertained,” he said in a statement.

However, he said search and rescue operations are still underway since the incident area is quite remote and takes approximately 10 hours by land from Marudi.

Meanwhile, air services using helicopters cannot be carried out due to the hazy weather and no permission to fly by CAAM from the Kuching police air base.

“The search and rescue operation currently depends on the assistance of villagers, Rela members and police at Long Lellang Airport.

“The search and rescue team will arrive at the scene as soon as possible,” Mohamad Zainal said, adding that details of the passengers involved will be confirmed later.

He advised the public not to speculate to allow for further investigation to be carried out with the Air Accident Investigation Division, Ministry of Transport.