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'Flying Doctor' helicopter crashes in Malaysia, authorities say
The helicopter was carrying a pilot and four health workers on a medical mission, and officials said the cause and casualties were still unconfirmed.
On Tuesday, a BO-105 helicopter carrying five people crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport in northern Sarawak. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia confirmed the aircraft was believed to be part of the "flying doctor service."
Serving remote Kelabit and Penan communities, the "flying doctor" service provides medical care to isolated regions. The Long Lellang STOLport sits about 310 km from Miri, serving as critical infrastructure for the interior Marudi district.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad reported a pilot and four ministry staff were aboard, including a medical officer and two nurses. Search and rescue operations by fire and medical authorities are currently underway at the site.
Regarding crew status, "As of now, the status of all crew and passengers as well as the cause of the incident have not yet been determined," Dzulkefly said. The transport ministry's air accident investigations bureau has launched an investigation.
The crash complicates rescue access in Sarawak's remote interior, located about 310 km from Miri. Rescue teams from Miri Airport Fire and Rescue Services are coordinating operations near the airstrip amid ongoing logistical constraints.