The fatal helicopter crash near Long Lellang in Sarawak on 8 September was shocking. It was a tragedy that should never have happened.
Investigators are still working to establish what caused the aircraft to catch fire in mid-air and crash. But reports have already confirmed one uncomfortable fact: the helicopter was old.
An old, familiar problem
The Bo-105 involved, registration 9M-LLF, was built in Germany in 1991. It only joined Sarawak’s Flying Doctor Service in 2009 – 17 years before the crash.
The government has a moral duty to explain, clearly and honestly, to grieving families and to the public, why we are still using such ageing helicopters and why we cannot budget for newer ones.
These old machines were brought in to replace the ageing Nuri helicopters, which had their own tragic history. That makes this crash feel even more painful.
A hard look in the mirror
We are unable to provide newer, safer helicopters for our doctors. Yet trillions of ringgit are said to have been lost to corrupt officials who abuse power and amass personal wealth.
Some then escape justice through loopholes, reduced sentences, discharges not amounting to an acquittal, and cases marked ‘no further action’.
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We are a nation rich in oil and gas. Yet concerns about how political parties are funded run deep.
A political funding bill is now being drafted to help close the gaps. It is expected to be tabled in Parliament next year.
We are also a country known for building some of the tallest structures in the world and indulging in other questionable mega-projects. These have cost the public purse for decades.
Yet somehow, we cannot find the budget for modern, reliable helicopters to safely carry our doctors, nurses and pilots who serve communities in Malaysia’s most remote corners.
It is high time we had an examination of our national conscience.
The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
