KOTA KINABALU: Tears flowed upon hearing the news that four members of the 503 Squadron, based at the Teluk Sepanggar naval base, here, perished in a helicopter crash in Lumut, Perak, early this morning.
Royal Malaysian Navy Teluk Sepanggar public relations officer Lieutenant Commander Mohd Fadzhil Salleh, said all the friends of the deceased could only cry upon receiving the sad news.
He said the loss of the members, led by squadron commanding officer Commander Muhammad Firdaus Ramli, who also served as the pilot of one of the squadron's helicopters, was deeply felt.
"When we heard the news of the incident, many shed tears. (They) were very kind, cheerful, and liked to help others. Indeed, the loss is deeply felt," he said when contacted.
Fadzhil said he was very close to Firdaus.
"I am very familiar with the (Firdaus). Recently, during the festive season, I brought the media for an aerial survey using a helicopter.
"At that time, the helicopter was piloted by Commander Firdaus, the same helicopter involved in this morning's incident in Lumut," he said.
It is learnt that the family members of the officers and members of the squadron were brought to Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.
They were flown on board a Royal Malaysian Air Force aircraft through Terminal 2, Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), at 1.20pm.
Meanwhile, TV3 Sabah journalist Safwan Sawi said he was shocked and saddened when he heard the news, especially when he learned that Firdaus was among those killed in the tragedy.
"Just a few weeks ago, the TV3 crew was given the opportunity to board the aircraft for coverage of assignments involving RMN members from the involved squadron.
"It is very sad... I sympathise with the families of the deceased members and all RMN personnel, especially from 503 Squadron," he said when contacted.
The RMN today confirmed that 10 of its members died in the incident.
