PUTRAJAYA, April 29 — The black box of the AW139 (M72-01) helicopter belonging to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), which made an emergency landing in the waters of Pulau Angsa, Kuala Selangor, last month, has been sent to the manufacturing company in Italy for analysis.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said it was after the black box was found to have some damage and thought it would be safer for the manufacturing company to analyse the black box to find out the cause of the crash.
“Information from the black box analysis will then be given to the investigation committee for further action,” he said at a press conference after attending a meeting with MMEA personnel today.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah and MMEA acting director-general Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim were also present.
In the March 5 incident, the helicopter was operated by Lieutenant Commander Maritime Tengku Mohd Nizam Tengku Zakaria, Lieutenant Commander Maritime Mohamad Azrol Saidi, together with air crew Maritime Warrant Officer I John Ibno and rescue swimmer Maritime Petty Officer Muhamad Nurhayyat Hashim. All four were reported safe in the incident.
Commenting on the MMEA member who was injured as a result of being shot while trying to stop an outboard engine boat for inspection in Lahad Datu, Sabah, on April 7, Saifuddin said Marine Petty Officer Zainal Abad Komel, 45, is still being treated at the Lahad Datu Hospital.
“We are still waiting for a full report from the doctor who treated him regarding the injury, and the Home Affairs Ministry will provide appropriate assistance to look after the welfare of the member and his family as long as he is receiving treatment,” he said.
In the incident, two MMEA members were injured in an exchange of fire at 0.2 nautical miles northeast of Kampung Pangi Kunak, Lahad Datu, while trying to stop an outboard engine boat for inspection under Op Khas Pagar Laut.
Commenting on the Op Khas Pagar Laut launched in conjunction with Ramadan and Syawal, Saifuddin said MMEA arrested 175 individuals for various criminal offences and confiscated goods worth RM15 million.
“The arrests and confiscations show the importance of MMEA in carrying out special operations to protect and monitor the country’s waters,” he said.
— Bernama
