By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 10: Five victims of the fatal Long Lellang helicopter crash have been named among the recipients of the Pegawai Bintang Sarawak (PBS) in conjunction with the 80th official birthday celebration of Sarawak Head of State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
The five recipients are pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30; medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33; assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry, 31; and staff nurses Debra Moset, 40, and Jessie Paya Jok, 44.
All five died when the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter they were travelling in crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing (STOLport) in Ulu Baram on Sept 8.
The helicopter was carrying the pilot and four healthcare personnel on a mission to deliver medical services to communities in remote parts of Sarawak, where access to healthcare facilities can be challenging.
The FDS is an important service for rural communities, particularly those in isolated areas where geographical barriers and limited transport options can make it difficult for residents to reach medical facilities.
The crash claimed the lives of all five people on board, cutting short their work in aviation and healthcare services.
Their inclusion in this year’s honours list comes as Sarawak recognises recipients across various fields in conjunction with the Sarawak TYT’s 80th official birthday celebration.
The five victims are among 1,350 recipients named in this year’s Sarawak State Honours and Awards list. — DayakDaily
