Kuching: Amid the grief of losing loved ones, the Sarawak government has extended a helping hand to the families of victims of the Hul Baram Long Lelang Flying Doctor Service helicopter crash, providing financial assistance, educational support, and employment opportunities, igniting new hope for their lives.

This assistance has not only eased the burden on the bereaved families but has also become a vital source of emotional support, particularly ensuring the welfare and future of the victims' children.

Mohd Faiz Ab Malek, husband of the late Dr. Ainul Baraah Kamarudin, expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak government and all the people of Sarawak for their support and care since the tragedy on September 8th.

“I am very grateful for the donation from the Sarawak government, and the support from the people of Sarawak before this. This is especially important,”

he said in an interview after the handover ceremony of the Flying Doctor Service Long Lelang helicopter crash family assistance funds at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Building on Friday.

At the ceremony, Sarawak Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. Abang Johari distributed a total of RM500,000 in donations to the families of the five victims, with each family receiving RM100,000.

Meanwhile, Nor Izzati Syamimi Suhaimi, wife of the late Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, was deeply moved by the Sarawak government's commitment to assisting the victims' families since the day of the tragedy.

"We are very grateful to the Sarawak government; they have truly helped us a lot from day one until now."

Furthermore, Stephanie Essah Incham, wife of the late Alexson Adit Henry, described the assistance as invaluable, especially in ensuring the educational future of their two children, aged five and two.

She said that in addition to the RM100,000 cash donation, the educational assistance provided by the Sarawak Foundation also brought relief to her family, providing opportunities for their two children to attend university in the future.

Stephanie also expressed her gratitude to the Sarawak government for the employment opportunities provided as part of the post-accident assistance, which helped her rebuild her life after losing the breadwinner of her family.

"I am very grateful to the Sarawak government and the Sarawak Foundation for their help, especially for our children's university education." - UKAS

Written by: Nur Marisa
Photographs: George S. Embie