JOHOR BAHRU – A police helicopter crash during a joint international security exercise, MITSATOM 2025, has left two officers in critical condition while three others are being treated for injuries at Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA).
The helicopter, an AS355N operated by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), crashed near the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Jetty in Gelang Patah at approximately 9.51am during a demonstration fly-by. The exercise, aimed at enhancing nuclear security detection, involved Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed that two of the five victims require respiratory assistance. The remaining three are reported to be in stable condition.
“Alhamdulillah, our doctors at HSA responded quickly. We pray for their full recovery so they can return to service,” Mohd Khalid told Bernama.
The personnel involved include ACP Faizul Mohammad (pilot), Supt Ahmad Bustamin Baharom (co-pilot), Corporal Adeline Liu Yan Siu (air observer), Sergeant Siti Latipa Khairuddin, and Constable RG Devendran.
Three of them were from the PDRM Air Unit, while the other two served at the Tanjung Kupang Police Station and Iskandar Puteri District HQ respectively.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) confirmed the aircraft was an AS355N with registration 9M-PHG. An official investigation is now underway, led by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau under the Ministry of Transport.
Responding to claims about the age of the helicopter, Mohd Khalid clarified that proper maintenance remains the key factor.
“What matters most is how well the aircraft is maintained. Age alone isn’t the issue. This incident was unfortunate and beyond our control,” he said.
Bukit Aman has since announced the formation of a special committee to review the use of the AS355N model, especially considering the aircraft’s 28-year service span and current limitations.
Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim from Bukit Aman’s Internal Security and Public Order Department stated that the personnel were on duty to test national readiness against nuclear-related threats, including smuggling across borders.
In light of public concern, Mohd Khalid urged Malaysians not to speculate or share graphic videos that could disturb ongoing investigations or disrespect the victims’ families.
“Let official updates come from PDRM. We are handling this with utmost care and responsibility,” he added. — Bernama
