Five killed in Malaysia medical helicopter crash as haze hampers rescue efforts

Five people, including four healthcare workers, were killed when a government-operated medical helicopter crashed in Malaysia's eastern Sarawak state, authorities said.

The helicopter, part of the country's Flying Doctor Service programme, went down near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport in a remote area of Sarawak on Tuesday.

Malaysia's Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said initial information indicated that the aircraft was carrying a pilot and four Health Ministry personnel on official duty. Those on board included a medical officer, an assistant medical officer and two nurses travelling to provide healthcare services in isolated communities.

Local disaster management officials later confirmed that all five occupants died in the crash.

The Flying Doctor Service plays a critical role in delivering medical care to remote regions of Malaysia, particularly in the vast and sparsely populated interior of Sarawak on Borneo island, where access by road can be limited.

Search and recovery efforts faced significant challenges due to heavy haze blanketing the region. Sarawak police said poor visibility prevented the use of aircraft during the operation, forcing rescue teams to travel to the site by road.

According to officials, the crash location was in a remote area requiring a journey of around 10 hours by land.

Authorities have not yet disclosed what caused the helicopter to crash. Malaysia's Civil Aviation Authority said the Transport Ministry's Air Accident Investigation Bureau has launched an investigation into the incident.

The tragedy comes as Sarawak continues to grapple with haze caused by forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia. Air quality across parts of the state has deteriorated in recent weeks, with authorities monitoring pollution levels closely.

The identities of the victims have not yet been released. Officials said further details would be provided as investigations continue.

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