KUALA LUMPUR, April 4, 2015:
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein was reported to have confirmed that Rompin Member of Parliament Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis was on board the civilian helicopter that crashed along Jalan Sungai Lalang in Kampung Pasir Baru, Semenyih, today.
“Datuk Seri @HishammuddinH2O confirmed Tan Sri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis was on board the helicopter which crashed at Sg Lalang Semenyih,” read the tweet on NST Online’s Twitter feed.
Meanwhile, earlier human rights activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir tweeted her message of condolence to the family of Jamaluddin.
“My condolences to the family of TS Jamaluddin Jarjis and of the others on the chopper that crashed. Alfatihah,” Marina said.
However, Marina soon realised that there had been no confirmation yet at the time on who was on board the helicopter after PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil asked her if it was confirmed.
“Actually now I dunno. Thought it was confirmed. Yikes!” Marina tweeted to Fahmi.
“Ok hoping and praying I spoke too soon. Sorry!” Marina later posted on her Twitter account @netraKL.
Bernama reported the crash earlier, quoting a spokesman of the Kajang Fire and Rescue Station, said the station received an emergency call at 4.57pm.
“According to preliminary information received, the helicopter crashed and burst into flames about 4.55pm,” the spokesman was quoted as saying.
Unconfirmed reports had been coming in that a Tan Sri from Pahang, as well as a high-ranking aide of the Prime Minister were among those on board the Aerospatiale 365N2 Dauphin 2 helicopter.
The private-owned helicopter, bearing the registration number 9M-IGB, was said to have been carrying six passengers.
Three bodies have been discovered so far, reported Bernama.
Another unconfirmed report states that the helicopter belonged to Solitaire Services, and was on the way from Kuantan to Subang.