TANJUNG MALIM: A man received a commendation from the Muallim District Police Headquarters (IPD) for his heroic actions in rescuing two people from a plane crash near Gunung Besout Forest Reserve, Sungkai, in Perak.
The incident involving a CESSNA 172 Skyhawk aircraft with the registration number 9M-ADA occurred on May 4.
Plantation supervisor Abdullah Abdul Talib, 37, was the first person on the scene and had helped save the lives of the pilot and co-pilot after the aircraft crashed into a plantation.
Demonstrating quick thinking, Abdullah immediately contacted rescuers and provided crucial assistance.
Abdullah held the pilot, who was trapped and hanging, for nearly an hour to prevent further injuries.
"I did not expect any recognition. I am thankful to the police for this acknowledgement.
"I am grateful to have helped those in distress, as it was my duty to assist both victims.
"Anyone in that situation would have helped, right?" he said after the Monthly Assembly of the Muallim district police chief here today.
Since the incident, Abdullah has stayed in touch with the pilot and co-pilot, who have expressed their gratitude and a desire to meet him once they recover.
"We keep in touch through the WhatsApp application.
"Every time I pass by the location of the incident, I recall those tense moments," he said.
Meanwhile, Muallim District Police Chief Superintendent Mohd Hasni Mohd Nasir presented a letter of appreciation to Abdullah, acknowledging his bravery and swift response.
"According to Abdullah, he didn't even realize there was a crashed plane and had passed the site.
"His decision to turn back while recording eventually led him to find the trapped victims," he said.
In the incident, the pilot, Captain Shahrul Imran Surea, 26, suffered a broken right leg, while the trainee pilot, Le Ho Jia, 20, sustained facial injuries.
It occurred when they were conducting a training flight from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh to Tanjung Karang, Selangor, and were returning to Ipoh.
