State government to cover education costs of Debra's daughter Odia until she achieves her ambition to become a doctor

MIRI: The aspiration of a child of a victim from the helicopter tragedy near Long Lellang to become a doctor and carry on her mother's legacy of sacrifice has drawn the attention of the Sarawak government, which has pledged to fully cover her education costs until she achieves that goal.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says the state government will pay for Odia's study until she achieves her ambition

Premier  Abang Johari Openg, who made the commitment, also extends to the children of other personnel who perished in the tragedy, ensuring their futures and education are safeguarded.

He noted that while the loss of life cannot be measured in monetary terms, the Sarawak government remains committed to supporting the victims' families, particularly in securing their children's futures.

“I read today about a child who lost her mother, a nurse named the late Debra. Her daughter expressed her determination to study hard to become a doctor and continue her mother's legacy of sacrifice.

“To her daughter, Odia: the Sarawak government will sponsor her education until she becomes a doctor. The same applies to the children of the other victims,” he said while addressing the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Northern Zone Special Convention today.

The premier added that Odia’s resolve to carry on her mother's legacy inspired him to seek alternative approaches to ensure government services continue to reach the people, especially those in rural and remote areas.

He emphasized that the Sarawak government would continue to ensure that communities in remote areas are not left behind in the development process and have access to essential services.

He also described Odia’s determination to become a doctor as a reflection of the spirit to uphold her mother's legacy of sacrifice—a spirit that deserves support until the ambition is realized.

On Sept 8, a Flying Doctor Service helicopter, with five persons on board - a pilot and four medical personnel -crashed-landed at the end of Long Lelllang short  take-off and landing airport (STOLport).

They were all killed.

Odia’s mother staff nurse Debra Moset was among those killed The others are Captain Zainol Afiq, medical officer Dr Ainul Baroah Kamaruddin,  medical assistance Alexson Adit and staff nurse Jessie Paya.