Minister of Higher Education Zambry Abdul Kadir announced that all 21 children of the 10 naval personnel killed in Malaysia’s twin helicopter crash will receive RM 1,000 each, in addition to other education support. The offer also includes exemption from paying university fees for any children currently studying at a university. This decision was made to relieve the financial burden on the families and was approved by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The children who are still in school will receive free national savings scheme accounts for higher education purposes.
An interim report on the Perak helicopter crash that resulted in 10 servicemen dead will be ready in two weeks, with the full report expected in a month. Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil revealed this information at a cabinet meeting, highlighting that Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin had committed to delivering the report. Khaled announced the interim report at the defence ministry’s Hari Raya celebrations, promising to release the report as soon as possible.
The incident occurred on April 23 when two Royal Malaysian Navy helicopters collided during a rehearsal for the 90th Navy Day parade. The helicopters, HOM and Fennec, crashed at 9.32 am after taking off from their Lumut airbase. The HOM helicopter crashed on the steps of a stadium, while the Fennec helicopter crashed into a pool, resulting in all victims being confirmed dead at the scene. This was the first time the helicopters were rehearsing together for the event, according to the defence minister.
Nine of the 10 navy personnel killed in the crash were under 40 years old, with the youngest being 26 and the oldest in his 40s. The HOM helicopter carried four male crew members, including Commander Firdaus Ramli, commanding officer of the 503 squadron, and three female passengers. The Fennec helicopter carried three male crew members, including Commander Muhamad Amir Mohamad, commanding officer of the 502 squadron. A navy service member swimming in the pool where the Fennec helicopter crashed also suffered a minor injury from debris.
The victims will receive military honors at the 23rd Royal Malay Regiment camp in Ipoh, according to the Bernama news agency. Defence Minister Khaled Nordin expressed that such helicopter crashes are rare incidents, with the collision occurring during Navy Day parade rehearsals. The government is working on providing support for the families of the deceased naval personnel, including financial assistance and education support for their children. The investigation into the helicopter crash is ongoing, with an interim report set to be released in two weeks, and the full report available within a month.
