KUALA LUMPUR – Dependants of two out of the five victims killed in the Long Lellang helicopter crash in Miri are eligible to receive monthly pension benefits from the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan announced today, as reported by Bernama.
Ramanan stated that pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30, and medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin, 33, were active SOCSO contributors at the time of the incident, qualifying their next of kin for recurring financial assistance.
The next of kin of Zainol Afiq, who flew for Rotorwing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and contributed under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4) since January 2018, will receive a monthly Dependants’ Benefit (FOT) totaling RM5,355.
“His wife, Nor Izzati Syamimi Suhaimi, 31, will receive a monthly share of RM3,213 for life, while his two children aged six and one – will receive a combined RM2,142 monthly until they reach age 21 or complete their first degree,” Ramanan said.
He added that the pilot’s widow also received a one-off Funeral Benefit (FPM) of RM3,000.
Meanwhile, the husband of Dr Ainul Baraah, teacher Muhammad Faiz Abdul Malik, is entitled to a lifetime survivor’s pension of RM1,574.10 per month alongside a RM3,000 Funeral Benefit, both of which were handed over in Miri yesterday.
Ramanan clarified that record checks for the remaining three victims: Alexson Adit Henry, Jessie Paya Jok, and Debra Moset, showed they did not meet eligibility requirements or lacked contributions for SOCSO periodic pension benefits.
The fatal crash occurred when a chartered Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter operated for the Health Ministry crashed and caught fire near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) runway end in Ulu Baram on Tuesday. -MalayaDailyToday
