(Petaling Jaya, Wednesday): The death of the leading corporate figure, Tan Sri Yahya Ahmad in a helicopter crash near Kuala Lipis on Monday is most tragic and a great loss to the nation.
DAP wishes to extend its condolence to Yahya’s children and family on their bereavement.
It is matter of grave national concern that there have been two air crashes within 36 hours, as the Italian-made Agusta A-109E Power helicopter crash which killed Yahya, his wife and the pilot occurred just a day after the crash of the Cessna 172 belonging to Mofaz Air Sdn. Bhd. in Langkawi, killing two Filem Negara cameramen and the pilot.
The Agusta helicopter crash is also the second fatal helicopter crash so far this year, as on January 29, four people including the pilot and two Filipinos were killed when a Bell 206 helicopter belonging to Kenari Air Sdn. Bhd. crashed in thick jungle about 100 km southeast of Belaga town in the Kapit Division, Sarawak.
There is quite long list of helicopter crashes in the past few years and the Transport Ministry and in particular the Department of Civil Aviation, should cause a thorough review of the air-worthiness of light aircrafts and helicopters in the country to protect the safety, lives and reputation of Malaysia.
(5/3/97)