Cabinet to review preliminary report on Sept 8 Long Lellang helicopter crash

A preliminary report on the Sept 8 crash of a Long Lellang helicopter, which claimed the lives of a pilot and four medical workers, is slated for cabinet review tomorrow. The Air Accident Investigation Bureau confirmed the pilot’s licence and medical clearance were current, and the helicopter was properly registered and deemed airworthy before departure. Transport Minister Anthony Loke informed the Dewan Rakyat that a comprehensive final report is expected within a year.

During the same session, he addressed inquiries from Datuk Seri Dr Richard Rapu regarding the dates of the latest safety audit, surveillance audit, and inspection carried out by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia. Loke emphasized that the aircraft met all regulatory requirements at the time of the flight. The briefing follows ongoing concerns about the safety of Malaysia’s flying-doctor service in remote Sarawak areas.