The next of kin of victims involved in the tragic Long Lellang aircraft crash in Sarawak are eligible to receive a minimum of RM130,000 in financial compensation, according to a report by Astro Awani.
The assistance is intended to provide financial support to the families affected by the tragedy, which claimed the lives of healthcare personnel serving communities in Sarawak’s remote interior.
The incident has drawn national attention to the challenges faced by medical teams operating in isolated areas, where air transportation plays an important role in ensuring essential healthcare services reach rural populations.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed that the lump-sum compensation covers cash payments for unused annual leave, survivor gratuities, funeral assistance and death ex-gratia benefits. Eligible dependants will also begin receiving monthly survivor pensions from 21 October 2026.
The ministry is coordinating the payments with the Public Service Department (JPA) and the Sarawak State Health Department. Additional benefits, including dependant pensions and compensation under the Work Disaster Ex-Gratia Scheme, are also being processed.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the affected families. A proposal to grant posthumous promotions to the four healthcare workers was also endorsed by the Public Service Promotion Board on 13 October, recognising their service and sacrifice. The helicopter crash on 8 September 2026 claimed five lives, including four MOH personnel.
