Search and rescue mission to focus areas in Sri Aman, Simunjan and Betong

The focus of the search and rescue mission for the missing helicopter will be spread throughout three districts, Sri Aman, Simunjan and Betong said Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Seri Muhammad Sabtu Osman.

Muhammad Sabtu said police had received a report from the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) at 8.20pm and a team was deployed to the area to carry out the search and rescue operation.

"We have launched our search and rescue mission in Sri Aman, Simunjan and Betong," he said at a press conference here on Thursday.

He said 100 personnel from the Marine Police, Fire and Rescue Department, Police, General Operations Force and Civil Defence Department are involved in the mission.

At 6am this morning, a team from the Marine Police and a Police helicopter will head to the area and join the search and rescue mission," he said.

READ: Search and rescue operation for missing chopper carrying VIPs continues

Muhammad Sabtu also denied claims that the helicopter was found in Sri Aman.

He said the identity of those on board the helicopter has yet to be confirmed.

The Eurocopter AS350 helicopter took off from Betong at 4.12pm and headed to Kuching before losing contact at 4.32pm, he said.

He said it was reported to be raining in Betong on Wednesday afternoon.