Malaysian authorities on Wednesday recovered the remains of all five people aboard a helicopter belonging to a "flying doctor" service that crashed on the island of Borneo. The aircraft went down near the Long Lellang airstrip in northern Sarawak, a state known for its vast rural and remote areas where accessing healthcare can be challenging.
The "flying doctor" service transports medical teams to isolated communities. The pilot and four medical workers were aboard the helicopter. Formal identification of the remains has begun, officials stated.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, and it remains unclear if weather conditions played a role. Haze from forest fires in neighboring Indonesia has affected Sarawak in recent weeks.
An investigation into the incident is underway. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim offered condolences and urged the public to avoid speculation during the investigation. He confirmed that the government would provide necessary assistance and support to the victims' families. The Sarawak government has announced financial aid for the families and pledged to cover educational expenses for the victims' children.