Sarawak hands helicopter crash probe to national aviation authority

The Sarawak government announced that the investigation into the recent Flying Doctor Service helicopter accident near Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, will be conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin said the state first focused on rescuing victims and retrieving the wreckage, and now expects a professional, law-compliant inquiry. He warned against unverified claims about the crash’s cause until the official findings are released.

Flight operations at Long Lellang Airport remain suspended pending approval from Malaysia Airports and CAAM, despite a proposal to restart on September 12. The ministry will review CAAM’s report and other agency inputs before considering safety improvements for remote-area flights. Lee emphasized the Flying Doctor Service’s vital role in delivering medical care to Sarawak’s isolated communities.