JOHOR BARU: The Defence Ministry has called on the public to stop spreading speculation and misinformation on the tragic helicopter crash at the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) Lumut base that claimed the lives of 10 crew on April 23.
Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the interim report, which is currently underway, is based on facts and not speculation.
He said the ministry has given way to the investigating committee to complete the incident's full report within the timeframe that was previously agreed.
"I can't say anything on the matter for fear that it might be misinterpreted. I'm waiting for the official report.
"This is crucial to protect and safeguard the RMN and armed forces," he told reporters after attending the Johor Council of Former Elected Representatives (Mubarak) and Johor Umno Veterans Raya do at the state party liaison office today.
Khaled was asked on the speculations surrounding the cause of incident involving the two navy helicopters, which have been circulating on social media.
The ministry, he said, would consider seeking foreign expertise in the incident investigation, depending on the outcome of the interim report that is expected next week.
"I believe that the committee will see foreign experts should the need arises. When the interim report is revealed, we will find out those that we will seek help from," he said.
It was reported that the helicopters, an Agusta Westland AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM) and a Eurocopter Fennec, collided during a mid-air manoeuvre during a flypast training for the RMN's 90th Anniversary celebrations.
