4 days ago
Final ascent: Police chopper wreckage retrieved a week after crash
ISKANDAR PUTERI: After seven long days beneath the murky waters of Sungai Pulai, the wreckage of the police helicopter that crashed during a simulation flight was finally brought to the surface at 11am today.
The AS355N aircraft, bearing registration number 9M-PHG, plunged into the river on July 10 during a multilateral training exercise involving forces from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, under the MITSATOM 2025 nuclear security programme.
This morning's recovery operation began at 8am from the integrated command centre near the crash site. Despite a receding tide, clear skies provided favourable conditions for the delicate salvage effort.
At 11am, the silhouette of 9M-PHG emerged from the riverbed, hoisted gently by crane and placed onto the deck of a waiting vessel within 15 minutes.
The wreckage will be transported to a nearby jetty for forensic examination. Investigations will be led by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau from Putrajaya, in collaboration with the Johor Department of Internal and Public Security, to determine the cause of the crash.
The ill-fated flight had carried five personnel — Assistant Commissioner Faizul Muhammad (pilot), Superintendent Ahmad Bustamin Baharom (co-pilot), Sergeant Siti Latipa Khairuddin, Corporal Adeline Liu Yan Sin, and Constable RG Devendran.
As of press time, Constable Devendran of the Tanjung Kupang police station remains in critical condition. Corporal Liu, initially reported as critical, is reportedly on the road to recovery. The remaining three officers, though injured, are in stable condition.
All five continue to receive treatment at Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA), Johor Baru.
Today's retrieval marks a solemn milestone — the end of a physical recovery, and perhaps the beginning of a deeper reckoning for those who serve in the skies.
