Journalists recount trauma after witnessing police chopper crash

New Straits Times

5 days ago

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The harrowing moment a police helicopter plunged into the river near Sungai Pulai jetty in Gelang Patah this morning remains indelibly etched in the memories of two journalists who witnessed the tragedy unfold before their eyes.
The incident, which occurred during a security exercise, not only shocked the reporters but also stirred deeply traumatic recollections.
Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) journalist Muhammad Aiman Hakeem Awazmin, 27, said he was covering the Malaysia–Indonesia–Thailand–Singapore Nuclear Security Detection Exercise 2025 at the Sungai Pulai maritime jetty when the helicopter suddenly plunged into the river.
"Even now, I can still picture how the helicopter crashed — it happened right in front of me," said Aiman, who admitted he remained traumatised by the experience.
The incident brought back memories of his previous assignment during floods in Kluang two years ago, where he had flown in the same model of helicopter.
"I've flown in that exact model before. Watching it crash triggered a wave of sadness and fear… it felt as though all my emotions collapsed at once. This was one of the most terrifying moments of my career as a journalist," he said.
Meanwhile, Bernama journalist Nur Fadhliana Shaari, 41, also expressed concern for the five crew members aboard the aircraft — particularly after learning that two were in critical condition.
"We saw with our own eyes how the helicopter spun before crashing. Although we knew they were trained professionals, hearing that some were critically injured was heartbreaking.
"We could only pray for their safety and hope that such incidents never happen again," she said.
An investigation into the crash, which occurred at 9.51am today An investigation into the crash, which occurred at 9.51am today , has been launched by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau under the Transport Ministry, in accordance with Part XXVI of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016.