Advertisement

Jamaluddin Jarjis, 5 others dead in Semenyih chopper crash

Rompin MP and former minister Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis was among six people who were killed in a helicopter crash at Jalan Sungai Lalang, Kampung Pasir Baru in Semenyih.

The Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told Star Online that Jamaluddin was on board the ill-fated helicopter.

The prime minister's aide Datuk Seri Azlin Alias (left) and Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis were at the wedding reception of Datuk Seri Najib Razak's daughter in Pekan earlier today. – The Malaysian Inside pic, April 4, 2015.
The prime minister's aide Datuk Seri Azlin Alias (left) and Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis were at the wedding reception of Datuk Seri Najib Razak's daughter in Pekan earlier today. – The Malaysian Inside pic, April 4, 2015.

The news portal also reported that the others killed were SP Baiduri Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Tan Huat Seang, principal private secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, Datuk Seri Azlin Alias, pilot Captain Clifford William Fournier, owner of Chempaka Aviation, Aidana Baizieva and bodyguard Razakan Seran.

All six bodies have been found at the site of the crash, said the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department.

"We are still gathering information on the crash.

“The police are working with the Fire and Rescue Department," Zahid told Star Online.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is now at the crash site.

The remains have been sent to Hospital Kuala Lumpur and recovery efforts ended at about 9.30pm. The rescue team will resume work tomorrow.

Jamaluddin, the former Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, began his stint as Rompin MP in 1990 and had served as the Malaysian Ambassador to the United States from July 2009 to February 2012.

He also served as the chairman of 1 Malaysia Peoples' Housing (PR1MA).

Jamaluddin was to attend a second wedding reception in Kuala Lumpur tonight, that of PR1MA chief executive Datuk Abdul Mutalib Alias's daughter, Star Online reported.

News portal, SuaraTV, quoting sources, reported that the helicopter, AS 3655N2 Dauphin (9M-1GB), was said to have caught fire before it crashed.

Bernama also reported that a witness saw the helicopter exploded mid-air.

Roslan Harun, 54, a security guard at a store near the incident site said the crash took place in heavy rain.

"It exploded and shattered into pieces not far from ground, the helicopter rotor blades and tail were all over the place," he told Bernama at the crash site.

Roslan, who was at home about 1km from the crash site, said he attempted to enter the area but decided to call the Fire and Rescue Department instead.

"To get to the actual helicopter crash site, we have to enter 2km into the the rubber estate."

The victims were said to be returning from the wedding reception of Najib's daughter in Taman Tasik Sultan Abu Bakar, in Pekan, Pahang.

The privately owned chopper was heading to Subang from Kuantan when it downed.

A spokesman of the Kajang Fire and Rescue Department said the station received an emergency call at 4.57pm.

"According to preliminary information received, the helicopter crashed and burst into flames at about 4.55pm," reported Bernama. – April 4, 2015.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (second from left) and Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (right) are making their way to the helicopter crash site in Semenyih. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Kamal Ariffin, April 4, 2015.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (second from left) and Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (right) are making their way to the helicopter crash site in Semenyih. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Kamal Ariffin, April 4, 2015.