Miri: 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 announced the Ministry of Health (MOH) facilitated the transportation of the remains to their final resting places following official confirmation of their identities by the police and the Department of Chemistry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, 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.
Additionally, the remains of assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry will be taken to his family home today, with the funeral scheduled for Tuesday at Anglican Cemetery Lambir, Miri. 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.
Dzulkefly 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 extended his thanks to the police, Department of Chemistry, Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), Miri Hospital management, and all agencies involved, from the search and rescue (SAR) operation to the handling of the remains.
Furthermore, he stated that 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. Dzulkefly also expressed appreciation to Malaysians for their concern, prayers, and support for healthcare personnel and the victims' families.