SHAH ALAM, April 23 — The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj expressed deep sadness over the heartbreaking tragedy of two Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) helicopters which crashed in Lumut, Perak, this morning.
In a post on the Selangor Royal Office’s Facebook page, His Royal Highness, as RMN Captain-in-Chief, also expressed shock at the incident which killed 10 RMN personnel.
“As the Captain-in-Chief, I would like to express my deep sadness and grief following the heartbreaking tragedy that happened in the month of Syawal and during the 90th anniversary of RMN.” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
His Royal Highness also conveyed condolences to the next-of-kin and families of RMN members who died, and hopes they will persevere in the face of this tragedy.
Sultan Sharafuddin said he greatly appreciates the service, devotion, and sacrifice of RMN personnel who perished in the line of duty, praying that their souls may be blessed and rest in peace.
His Royal Highness added that the departure of 10 members of RMN was a great loss to the RMN and the country.
Earlier, RMN confirmed that 10 of its members died in an incident at 9.32am involving seven crew of the Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM-AW139) and three RMN Fennec crew.
It is understood that the incident occurred during a flypass practice for RMN’s 90th anniversary celebration early next month.
Meanwhile, the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also expressed their condolences for the families and next-of-kin.
“My condolences to the next of kin and family members of those who died. May the family members persevere with this loss in this trying time,” said Their Royal Highnesses in a post on the Pahang Royal House’s official Facebook page.
— Bernama
