No fatalities: MMEA’s STAR team hailed for heroic rescue following PDRM helicopter crash in Sungai Pulai

No fatalities: MMEA’s STAR team hailed for heroic rescue following PDRM helicopter crash in Sungai Pulai

JOHOR BARU, July 12 — The swift action of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s (MMEA) Special Task and Rescue (STAR) team following the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) helicopter crash in Sungai Pulai yesterday highlighted the agency’s preparedness and dedication in managing emergencies and safeguarding national waters.‍

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JOHOR BARU, July 12 — The swift action of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s (MMEA) Special Task and Rescue (STAR) team following the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) helicopter crash in Sungai Pulai yesterday highlighted the agency’s preparedness and dedication in managing emergencies and safeguarding national waters.

In a Facebook post, the MMEA stated that 10 STAR team members were the first to arrive at the scene, diving into the river to rescue and evacuate five personnel from the Air Operations Force (PGU) onto a safety boat despite the chaotic conditions.

“The team, led by Peninsular Malaysia STAR Team deputy squadron leader Maritime Lieutenant Nur Mohd Farhan Mohd Hamil, demonstrated exceptional bravery and professionalism in rescuing all victims without any loss of life,” the statement read.

The incident occurred at 10.15am when the PDRM-owned AS355N helicopter (registration number 9M-PHG) crashed during the Multilateral Nuclear Security Detection Exercise (MITSATOM) 2025 — a joint initiative involving Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore — held at the Gelang Patah Maritime Jetty.

According to a statement by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), the helicopter had departed from the Tanjung Kupang Police Station at 9.51am with five individuals on board, including the pilot.

Following the crash, two of the five officers were reported to be in critical condition and required respiratory support and treatment at Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) in Johor Bahru.

Today, Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) director Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim confirmed that three victims are now in regular wards, while one remains sedated in the ICU and another continues to receive treatment in the same unit. — Bernama

Police and MMEA personnel sprang into action to rescue victims of a PDRM helicopter crash that occurred during a salute simulation for the Multi-Directional Exercise for Nuclear Security Detection, Malaysia-Indonesia-Thailand-Singapore 2025 (MITSATOM 2025) near Sungai Pulai on July 10, 2025. — Bernama pic

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