Special team deployed to find missing helicopter - DPM

A special team led by police has been sent to carry out a search and rescue mission for a helicopter reported missing in Sebuyau on Thursday.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said initial reports said a helicopter that took off from Betong at 4.15pm and scheduled to arrive in Kuching at 5pm was reported missing.

"The helicopter is believed to be in the Sebuyau coastal area. Police, General Defence Force and Marine Police have been deployed to the area to carry out the search and rescue operation."

"The special team will try to gather information about the five passengers who were reported to be in the helicopter," he told reporters after attending a Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority function, here Thursday night.

Also present were Minister of Agriculture and Agro Based Industry Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, his deputy Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, Sarawak Housing and Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Abdul Rahman Johari Abang Openg and FAMA chairman Tan Sri Badruddin Amiruldin.