Sarawak Flying Doctor Service suspends flights after fatal helicopter crash

The Sarawak Flying Doctor Service has suspended all flights following a fatal helicopter crash near Long Lellang STOLport on 8 September. The accident involved a BO-105 helicopter and resulted in the deaths of five crew members: pilot Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, doctor Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, and colleagues Alexson Adit Henry, Debra Moset, and Jessie Paya Jok.

Since 1973, the service has provided a critical lifeline to remote interior villages in the Kapit, Miri, and Limbang districts, delivering medicine, vaccines, and emergency medical evacuations to areas inaccessible by road. The suspension of these flights leaves approximately 97 remote localities without their primary connection to healthcare.

In response to the tragedy, the Sarawak government announced a RM100,000 contribution to the family of each deceased personnel. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg also stated that the state government will fully cover the education fees for the victims’ children through Yayasan Sarawak.