A helicopter carrying several VIPs has gone missing in Sarawak, and a search and rescue operation has been mounted.
According to the Borneo Post, it is believed that Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Noriah Kasnon is one of those on board.
Reports also claimed that the other passengers were Kuala Kangsar MP Wan Mohammad Khairil Anuar Wan Ahmad, Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Sundaran Ann Amalai, Noriah's husband Asmuni Abdullah, and bodyguard Ahmad Sobri.
The helicopter was piloted by Capt Rudolf Rex Raga.
In a Twitter posting, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said he has been informed of the incident.
“Deeply concerned about reports of helicopter missing between Betong and Kuching.
"Search and rescue activated. Let us pray for their safety,” he added.
It was reported that Najib was also in Betong - where the helicopter took off from - earlier today. The prime minister had visited the Mara Junior Science College there before departing for Kuching.
Earlier, Department of Civil Aviation director-general Azharuddin Abdul Rahman confirmed the incident.
"The helicopter left Betong at 4.12pm and should have arrived in Kuching around 5pm," he told Bernama.
The Eurocopter AS350 is operated by a local company.
Kuching police are also scheduled to hold a press conference on the incident.
[More to follow]
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