Widow demands answers, continued support from Health Ministry

KUCHING : More than a month after losing her husband in the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter tragedy, Stephanie Essah Incham is calling on the Ministry of Health (MOH) to provide clearer answers, greater transparency and continued welfare support for the families left behind.

Stephanie, whose husband Alexson Adit Henry was among five people killed in the September 8 helicopter crash near Long Lellang, Miri, questioned whether bereaved families must continue speaking out publicly to receive the attention and assistance they need.

In an open statement addressed to the ministry, the Health director-general and other relevant authorities, she said the families were still struggling to come to terms with their loss while facing uncertainty over compensation, welfare assistance and the progress of investigations.

“Must we continue speaking out publicly to get attention when we are still trying to come to terms with our loss?” she questioned.

Stephanie pointed out that while the tragedy may have faded from public attention, the pain and challenges faced by the victims’ families remained.

“For others, this tragedy may simply be news that eventually fades away. But for us, the families left behind, this is a loss we carry every day.

“There is now an empty space, questions that remain unanswered and a longing that will never end,” she said.

Stephanie acknowledged the ministry’s earlier commitment to reviewing FDS operations and coordinating ex-gratia payments, retirement benefits and other claims with relevant agencies.

Stephanie’s children visit their father’s grave. Photo credit: Stephanie’s Threads

However, she stressed that these commitments must be followed by direct communication with the affected families, clear explanations of their entitlements and updates on the expected timeline for resolving outstanding matters.

“We understand that investigations take time and must be conducted thoroughly. We are not asking for conclusions to be rushed.

“However, the families left behind also need clear information about what is being done, what developments can be shared and whom we can contact,” she said.

Among Stephanie’s requests was the appointment of an official liaison officer to communicate directly with the families and provide regular updates on the investigation without compromising the process.

She also urged the ministry to clarify the benefits available to the next of kin, including ex-gratia payments, survivors’ pensions, insurance and other employment-related entitlements.

Beyond these existing benefits, Stephanie wanted to know whether additional compensation, special financial assistance or welfare support could be considered by the government, employers or relevant agencies.

She said families should be informed of the eligibility requirements, application procedures, necessary documentation and estimated processing periods instead of having to seek the information themselves.

“When we ask about the welfare of the next of kin, our concerns are not merely about ex-gratia payments or pensions. We want to know what support is available to help our small families continue living after losing our loved ones.

“No amount of money can bring my husband back. But my children and I must still carry on with our lives, pursue education and build a future without a husband and father,” she said.

Stephanie also called for immediate welfare assistance, counselling, emotional support and educational assistance, particularly for children who had lost their fathers in the tragedy.

She stressed that the families were not demanding immediate solutions to every issue but hoped they would not be left searching for answers while still grieving.

Stephanie’s children visit their father’s grave. Photo credit: Stephanie’s Threads

“We are not asking for special treatment. We only hope for clear communication, continued concern and responsibilities to be carried out with compassion.

“Please do not leave the families waiting in uncertainty. Come forward, listen and provide the explanations we deserve,” she appealed.

Despite her concerns, Stephanie expressed appreciation to the Sarawak Government for its RM100,000 educational assistance for the children of the crash victims.

She also thanked Layang-Layang Aerospace for covering funeral expenses and members of the public, friends and acquaintances who had extended financial assistance, prayers and emotional support.

She hoped the concern shown towards the families would continue beyond the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

“We hope that concern for the families’ welfare will continue, not only when the tragedy is making headlines, but also as we rebuild our lives,” she said.

Stephanie emphasised that her statement was not intended to accuse any party without evidence but to seek accountability, meaningful communication and continued support.

“I am writing because my husband can no longer speak for himself. Behind this tragedy are parents who have lost their children, wives who have lost their husbands, children who have lost their fathers and siblings who have lost their loved ones,” she said.

Stephanie added that the five victims were more than names in a tragedy report, describing them as individuals with families, dreams and futures whose sacrifices deserved to be remembered.

“We may have to learn to live with this loss for the rest of our lives. But we hope we will not have to continue fighting alone for information, explanations and the support we deserve,” she said.

The September 8 tragedy claimed the lives of pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry, staff nurse Debra Moset and nurse Jessie Paya Jok.

Stephanie said the families were awaiting an official response from the ministry and relevant agencies regarding the issues raised.