By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 15: The next-of-kin of the four Ministry of Health (MoH) personnel who perished in a helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, are each eligible to receive up to RM130,000 in lump-sum payments, and monthly pension benefits starting Oct 21.
According to a Bernama report, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said, the lump-sum payment comprised of compensation for accumulated leave (GCR), a derivative gratuity, funeral expense assistance, and an ex-gratia death payment.
He said the initiative will be undertaken in collaboration with the Public Service Department (PSD) and the Sarawak State Health Department, to ensure the timely disbursement of derivative pension benefits and appropriate financial assistance to the bereaved families.
Dzulkefly also said that a proposal for the posthumous promotion of the four healthcare workers has also been approved as a mark of the highest respect for their service and sacrifices.
“May this support help ease the daily burdens of the bereaved families. My deepest condolences go out to all the families of the victims. Our prayers remain with them…” he said.
The MoH further explained that the derivative pension will be distributed among eligible beneficiaries according to their respective shares, with the allocation structured to ensure that every entitled dependent receives their due portion in accordance with existing legal provisions.
The tragic Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash on Sept 8 claimed the lives of five people, including a pilot and four Ministry of Health personnel who were on duty. – DayakDaily
