Datuk Seri Muhammad Sabtu Osman (File Photo)
KUCHING: The police have confirmed the disappearance of a helicopter but have declined to confirmed the identities of those onboard.
State police commissioner Datuk Seri Muhammad Sabtu Osman said in a press conference late last night (May 5) that a joint interagency search-and-rescue team has been activated following notification from the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) of the craft’s disappearance.
He also categorically denied various information currently making the rounds on social media that the helicopter has landed safely with all those on board safe.
“We have already despatched a General Operations Force (GOF) platoon to Triso in Sri Aman. They are joined by 13 Marine Police personnel, 30 from the State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and 30 from the Civil Defence Department.”
He confirmed that the helicopter in question, model AS350/RPC6828, departed from Betong at 4.12pm and vanished from radar at 4.32pm – the halfway point to Kuching – around the Triso area.
“The Sri Aman OCPD has already sent his men to check the area three times but have not found anything.
“Regardless, we will focus the SAR operation in that area. Police personnel in Sri Aman, Simunjan and Betong are also on the ground now,” said Sabtu.
Additionally, police forensic divers, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and navy personnel are expected to be despatched to assist.
Sabtu added that he hoped for the best outcome but could not give any positive answer as to what may have happened.