PUTRAJAYA: The next-of-kin of four health ministry staff members who perished in a helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, Sarawak, will receive monthly derivative pension payments starting Oct 21.
This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the continued well-being of the victims' families, says health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said the health ministry, in collaboration with the public service department (JPA) and the Sarawak state health department, had managed the disbursement of derivative pension benefits and appropriate financial assistance to the next-of-kin in a comprehensive and prudent manner.
He noted that the total lump-sum payments for which the next-of-kin are eligible include compensation for accumulated leave, a derivative gratuity, funeral expense assistance and an ex-gratia death payment.
"Alhamdulillah... the well-being of the families of the four health ministry staff members who perished in the Long Lellang crash remains a priority for the Madani government and the ministry," he said in a post on X.
Dzulkefly added that a proposal for the posthumous promotion of the four healthcare workers had also been approved as a mark of respect for their services and sacrifices.
“May this support help ease the daily burdens of the bereaved families. My deepest condolences go out to all the families of the victims. Our prayers remain with them...” he said.
Earlier, the ministry said the total lump-sum payment for each victim amounted to no less than RM130,000.
The health ministry explained that the derivative pension will be distributed among eligible beneficiaries according to their respective shares, with the allocation structured to ensure that every entitled dependent receives their due portion in accordance with existing legal provisions.
The Flying Doctor Service helicopter crash in Long Lellang on Sept 8 claimed the lives of five individuals, including the four healthcare workers who were on official duty providing services to a remote community.