Nancy (centre) presents a contribution to Debra’s husband, Then, as (from third left) Renog, Euodia and Eugene look on.
PADAWAN (Sept 20): The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is ready to provide counselling services to the family of the late nurse Debra Moset, who was killed in the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash.
Its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said providing assistance to families affected by such incidents was part of the ministry’s responsibility, particularly in helping them cope with difficult times.
“So far, the children and other family members are still strong and able to cope. If they need assistance, they will contact us,” she said after visiting Debra’s family at Kampung Semadang here today.
Nancy was accompanied by representatives from the National Welfare Foundation (YKN) and the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) during the visit, including YKN chief executive officer Nordina Haron, and Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin.
Immediate assistance from JKM was provided to Debra’s mother, Renog Rasas, 71, and her husband, John Then Hua Ken, 43.
Renog also received the YKN’s Compassionate Assistance for Disaster Victims and Families (PEKA), while her husband was recommended for counselling with a psychology officer from the Kuching District Welfare Office (PKMB).
Nancy said the processing of the Kenyalang Gold Card and Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) for Renog was also underway. She will also receive monthly financial assistance for senior citizens.
“Hopefully, they will be given peace and strength,” Nancy said.
On Sept 8, a BO-105 helicopter bearing registration 9M-LLF crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport while operating an FDS flight, killing its pilot and four medical personnel onboard.
The five victims were identified as Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30, the pilot; medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33; assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry, 31; and nurses Debra, 40 and Jessie Paya Jok, 44.
Debra was laid to rest on Sept 14 at the St Patrick’s Church cemetery in Kampung Semadang, Jalan Puncak Borneo.
She is survived by her husband and two children, Euodia Then Suling, 15, and Eugene Then Kuling, 12.