By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 13: Helicopter pilot, Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30, and medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin, 33, were laid to rest in their respective hometowns following the tragic helicopter crash that occurred at Long Lellang in Baram on Tuesday (Sept 8).
Zainol was buried at Masjid Bandar Baru Senawang in Seremban, while Dr Ainul was laid to rest at Masjid Al Karomah Mukim Baung Besar, Pengkalan Chepa, in Kelantan.
Zainol’s death has left a deep void for his family, who described him as an irreplaceable figure.
His wife’s uncle, Hashim Mohd Harun, 58, said the late captain was not only a caring family member but also a role model and inspiration to his nieces and nephews through his achievements and admirable character.
“This is a huge loss for us. Despite his young age, he had achieved so much and built a character that earned the respect of many. He was an inspiration to other members of the family,” he told reporters at Masjid Bandar Baru Senawang in Seremban today.
Hashim said Zainol was a dedicated individual who never took any responsibility entrusted to him lightly.
He said the late pilot was also deeply devoted to his family and always maintained close ties between his own family and his wife’s family.
“He loved his family very much. To him, there was no distinction between his wife’s family and his own. We were all united as one harmonious family,” said Hashim, who is from Pahang.
Also present to pay her final respects was celebrity Dr Afifah Hidayah Ahmad Tawfek, who described the helicopter crash involving healthcare personnel as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those serving the community.
The former Health Ministry officer said providing medical services to rural areas, including travelling by air and ambulance, was a challenging responsibility that required courage and strong commitment.
Dr Afifah also urged the public to appreciate the sacrifices of doctors and nurses serving in government hospitals and clinics.
Also present to pay tribute to Zainol were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan and hundreds of mourners, including family members, friends, and members of the public.
Meanwhile, Dr Ainul’s husband, Muhammad Faiz Abdul Malik, expressed his appreciation to all those who assisted with and prayed for the smooth handling of his wife’s remains.
He said support from the federal, Sarawak, and Kelantan governments greatly helped facilitate arrangements for his late wife, including during his time in Sarawak.
“Fate has taken its course, but Alhamdulillah, everything was made easier. I received support from everyone, both friends and people who did not know me.
“For me, that was a blessing, as she received the support and prayers of Malaysians nationwide. Thank you to everyone, including the media,” he told reporters when met at Masjid Al Karomah Mukim Baung Besar, Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, today.
He said arrangements in Sarawak had proceeded smoothly although they took some time, with some uncertainty surrounding the information available in the initial stages.
“However, it was all right because everything was completed earlier than expected, including the identification process and DNA testing.
“I accept what has happened, but there are times when memories and thoughts of her come back to me,” he said.
Zainol and Dr Ainul were among the five who were killed in the helicopter crash, which also claimed the lives of medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, 31; and nurses Jessie Paya Jok, 44, and Debra Moset, 40. — Bernama
